A TOWN’S only bank is set to close in September.

Bosses at HSBC have announced their Newhaven branch will close on September 12 as it is no longer “commercially viable”.

The nearest bank for residents from the autumn will be in Seaford, Lewes or Brighton.

Lester Wynne-Jones, from the bank, said the decision had been made with “great reluctance”.

He added: “But after a careful analysis of the branch’s commercial viability it was clear that it is no longer generating the custom necessary to justify its continued development.”

Norman Baker, MP for Lewes constituency, which includes Newhaven, has met with bank bosses to ensure residents still received a service.

He told The Argus he was “disappointed” with the decision and expressed concern with 23% of customers reported to use the Newhaven branch as they are not registered for telephone or internet banking.

He said: “I have been assured by HSBC that customers not wishing to access alternative branches will be provided support in how to access banking via the Post Office or training for alternative banking services.

“I have also insisted that HSBC investigate leaving a cash machine in place following closure, to maintain some sort of service to its customers.”

He added: “HSBC have also assured me that there will be no redundancies attached to this branch closure as staff will be redeployed to other branches”

“Although I appreciate viability of a branch is a priority for HSBC, this does not help those individuals who are reliant on having to use a counter.”