A bank in Rickmansworth High Street will be closing for good early next year.

NatWest will no longer have a branch in the town from February 29, which follows local Barclays and Santander banks closing in recent years.

A letter was sent to some residents who use the branch, stating “it is a difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly”, and that it “understands that this branch closure may be challenging for many”.

The next closest NatWest will be in Watford town centre, but the letter encouraged customers to use online banking.

One person on Facebook said: “My 91-year-old mother has lost both her local banks (Lloyds and NatWest) so I've been using Ricky branch for her. There are times under POA that I've had to go into the branch to sort out issues for her, so this is a real problem for elderly people in particular.”

Another added: “I think a banking hub would work well in the town centre where the main banks share the space. Closing branches is not ideal for the elderly, businesses, and anyone else who prefers face-to-face banking, but unfortunately it’s the way we’re heading.”