ANOTHER major bank is closing its doors in Ludlow.

Barclays has announced that it will be closing its branch in the town from the end of August.

This has led to widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum.

Philip Dunne MP has said he is “appalled” by a decision by Barclays Bank to close branches in Ludlow and Bridgnorth.

Barclays have announced that from Friday, August 26, they will be closing branches at High Street, Bridgnorth and King Street, Ludlow.

They cite the change to online and mobile banking as the reason behind the closures.

“This is another example of Barclays choosing to abandon rural communities with further branch closures,” said Mr Dunne.

“Both Ludlow and Bridgnorth have a significant population of elderly and vulnerable people, who may not use the branch daily, but rely on a local branch presence when they need help and advice. With these closures, there will be no Barclays branches left in the Ludlow Constituency.

“I will be demanding a meeting with Barclays management to make the case for them to rethink these planned closures, and show they value their rural customers in south Shropshire.”

Andy Boddington, Shropshure councillor for Ludlow North, that includes the town centre, believes the move is a nail in the coffin of the main street.

“This bank doesn’t just serve Ludlow. It caters for a very broad hinterland,” said Mr Boddington.

“Having banks is one of the things that makes Ludlow town centre tick. People come to bank and then they shop.

“We have already seen the loss of HSBC, which is being converted into Specsavers. With the loss of Barclays, we will be down to three banks. Lloyds, Nationwide and NatWest.

“Banks that close their branches say people should do their transactions online.

“Many people, particularly older people, are not comfortable with digital technology. There are also many businesses in Ludlow that deal with cash.

“Barclays says cash can be paid in at the Post Office. But the Post Office service in Ludlow is very poor.

“The closure of Barclays is yet a nail in the coffin of our high streets.”