CUSTOMERS of a Newcastle Emlyn bank have been told it will be shutting its doors after just over a century in the town.

The HSBC branch is to close on September 18.

Users of the bank were informed by letter on Wednesday of last week confirming the banks’ decision.

In a statement the bank said that the decision was final, but Newcastle Emlyn Mayor, Cllr Pauline Evans still hopes the bank will re-think the matter.

Cllr Evans said: "It’s awful. People will have to travel further to bank. Why are they closing it as it appears to be busy? It’s a huge shame and is disgraceful. Nat West Bank has cut its hours, why do they have to shut HSBC completely?

"Not everyone has a computer and not everyone does on-line banking. It’s important we have the bank open for the older generations where some don’t do on-line banking. Not everyone has a car to go to HSBC in Cardigan, Lampeter or Carmarthen."

Local businessman, Mathew Edwards, of Castle Architectural Designs Ltd, has been business banking with HSBC in Newcastle Emlyn for over 12 years.

His wife Catrina, of Catrina’s Salon, also banks there.

"It’s a shock and I’m not very impressed to be honest," said Mathew. "Banking is now going to be a problem as I visit the bank at least two to three times a week and taking cheques in will also be an issue. I’m undecided if I will change banks but it is certainly an option."

A spokesman for HSBC said: customers will be able to use the post office on Sycamore Street to check their balance and withdraw and pay in cash and cheques, as well as other fee-free ATMs in the local area.

The bank added: "Our branches are a very important way for our customers to bank with us, especially for their more complex financial needs, but our customers' habits are changing - they are increasingly using the convenience of internet, smart phone or telephone banking for their day to day needs.

"In common with other high street banks, footfall in our branches has fallen dramatically and is accelerating.

"We have seen almost a 40% reduction in customer footfall over the last four years.

"It is never a decision we take lightly, but on occasions this has meant we have needed to close a branch and our Newcastle Emlyn branch is a case in point.

"Decisions like this are never easy, but we are working with the small number of customers who use the branch to help them reorganise their finances ahead of the closure. The members of staff who man the branch will transfer to other HSBC branches in the area."