AN MP has hit out at a high street bank's decision to close a town centre branch as user numbers continue to fall.

NatWest has announced plans to close the Billingham bank on July 14 because the need for over the counter service has diminished.

However, Alex Cunningham, Labour MP for Stockton North, maintains NatWest is going against its own advertising claims by taking away a valuable community asset.

He said: “It is deeply disappointing that NatWest has decided to walk out on their loyal customers in Billingham, removing an important service and forcing bank staff into the increasingly lengthening unemployment queue on Teesside."

He added: “NatWest have made much in its advertising campaigns over the years of being a bank which served communities, yet this decision have been taken remotely from our community by bank managers elsewhere in the country without any consultation in the area."

A letter has been sent out by the bank explaining the reasoning behind its decision.

It reads: "We’re closing this branch because the number of transactions at the branch has reduced by 16 per cent since 2011. We are committed to following the UK Government protocol on branch closures, and we have made the decision following careful consideration of a wide range of factors including branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us locally."