A BANK in Chipping Sodbury has announced it will be reducing its opening hours the week after the town’s only other commercial bank closes its doors.

Natwest, on Broad Street, will start opening later and closing mid-afternoon from August 1, just days after Lloyds is due to close its branch in the town completely.

Natwest customers will only be able to access in-branch services from 10.30am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday. The bank already closes at weekends.

A letter to Chipping Sodbury customers said: “We made this decision as we continue to assess the best times and days for our branches to be open, depending on customer usage and demand.”

The bank said its outside cash machine would be remain in place and free to use and it had recently invested in its branch in Yate to help improve services.

The news comes after Lloyds announced it was closing its branch on High Street from July 26 following a review of how customers use its banks in South Gloucestershire.

Cllr Rob Creer (Con, Chipping Sodbury) has had a request for Lloyds to leave its cash point in place after the closure declined.

He said: "They have advised they will not be maintaining the cashpoint separately as they are leasing the building.

"I have been informed about the reduction in hours at NatWest and again it is disappointing news, however, at least the ATM is remaining and there will still be some form of counter services provided.

"I’m keen to work with local businesses and groups such as SYBA and Sodbury Chamber of Commerce to ensure we build on the success of our vibrant, independent businesses and keep our great local High Street on the map."

Sodbury Chamber of Commerce said the Lloyds announcement was a disappointment for the High Street and particularly for businesses which bank in the town.

Lloyds and Natwest offer the only cash machines in the town centre, with a third located inside Waitrose. The only other bank in the town is a Coventry building society branch.