CUSTOMERS have expressed concern after a High Street bank announced it is to shut its main town centre branch.

HSBC has confirmed the branch in Chester-le-Street will close on January 20 next year.

Customers have been advised to bank online or over the phone, or use a branch eight miles away in Durham.

But some older people do not feel comfortable with internet banking and prefer face-to-face contact.

Frank Johnson, 76, from Bournmoor, who joined HSBC around 60 years when it was still Midland Bank, said: “I am astonished they are going to close it.

“Expecting people to go Durham or Sunderland is totally unreasonable. I hope they have a rethink about it.

“There are a lot of people, like me, who use the bank quite a bit.”

HSBC said footfall at the branch has reduced by 27 per cent at the branch over the past five years.

Ninety-three per cent of banking is now done over phone, internet or by smartphone, and 97 per cent of cash withdrawals are made at an ATM.

Mr Johnson said: “I have got a computer but I would not dream of using it for internet banking. I do not trust it. I have heard too many stories where people have had their savings vanish.”

North Durham MP Kevan Jones said he would be writing to HSBC to ask for the justification in closing the branch.

He said: “This is disappointing news and it is a blow to Chester-le-Street as a shopping street.

“Banks act as a magnet for people and is a reason people visit a shopping street.

“I am concerned it will have a knock on effect on footfall for other shops in the street.”

Alternative Ways to Bank drop-in sessions will take place at the branch every Monday from 9.30am to 3.30pm, November 7.

An HSBC spokesman said: “Sometimes we have to make the difficult decision to close branches, however these are not decisions that we take lightly and we work closely with those impacted, including customers, to help them understand their options.”

Concerned customers can call Freephone 0800-243-364 or email HSBCcommunitycomms@grayling.com.