An MP has urged a bank to reconsider its decision to close in August.

Oliver Dowden has written to Barclays Bank after it announced it would shut its branch in High Street, Bushey, on August 10 this year.

In a letter to Kim Mezoui, community banking director at Barclays Bank, Mr Dowden wrote: "Like many others, I was very disappointed to receive the news that this valued community asset will be closing.

"Local bank branches provide vital services and are relied on by those less comfortable using online banking, such as elderly people and those are unable to live independently."

Mr Dowden says he has studied alternative branches available for residents but doesn't believe it "makes up for the loss of the last bank in the village".

He added: "I therefore urge Barclays to reconsider this decision and keep the Bushey branch open".

Ms Mezoui has said that transactions have declined by 18 per cent in the last two years.

She said: “The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices. At Barclays Bushey branch, transactions have declined by 18 per cent in the last two years and 49 per cent of our customers now regularly use alternative branches, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close it.

"We hope that the availability of our nearest Barclays branch at 62/64 High Street, Watford, as well as access to services at the Post Office in Bushey, along with our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers.”

The branch in Bushey will be hosting 'tea and teach' sessions for customers who want to learn more about online banking.