Protests over proposed closure of town's last bank
The mayor of a town about to lose it's last bank said closure would have a dramatic effect on the community.
The TSB has said it intends to close its branches in Ellesmere, Church Stretton and Albrighton in the New Year.
Ellesmere Town Council has called on the bank to re-consider.
Councillor Paul Goulbourne, town mayor, said: "In the last 10 years we have already lost two banks. Our businesses and resident will suffer greatly if TSB closes.
"Without the bank, traders would struggle to deposit the cheques and cash they have from their customers. Although some businesses in the town only accept card and sadly that means that those people who do not like using bank cards suffer.
"Similarly not everyone is able to or wants to do online banking. It seems it is always the elderly or poorer people who suffer from these type of decisions."
The town council has organised a meeting with representatives from Ellesmere Chamber of Commerce next week.
"We are also worried about the loss of the bank's ATM. It is the only place were people in Ellesmere can obtain cash 24 hours a day. Others in the town are in places that close at 10pm."
The Spanish-owned bank said the cuts have been driven by a “significant shift in customer behaviour”, as fewer people use branches and instead favour online banking.
