The announcement that another bank is set to leave a Suffolk high street has been branded a 'great shame' and 'concerning'. 

Halifax has confirmed its branch in North Street, Sudbury, will shut in August. 

Laura Smith, who represents Sudbury South West on Babergh District Council, said: "It's a great shame that Sudbury is losing yet another high street banking branch and disappointing that the likes of Halifax care more about turning a profit than serving their customers.

Sudbury Mercury: Laura Smith, who represents Sudbury South West on Babergh District CouncilLaura Smith, who represents Sudbury South West on Babergh District Council (Image: Babergh District Council)

"There will be many customers affected who can't or don't want to use telephone banking or online apps. Thank goodness for the Post Offices where people can still do most of their banking in person. It is important for the community that we keep this and our last few remaining banks and building societies.

"Hopefully a local business will come along and be ready to fill the vacant premises in August," she added.

Meanwhile, Jan Osborne, mayor of Sudbury, said: "Another financial service closing in Sudbury is very concerning.

"People and businesses need to have banks and building societies available for face to face contact and that choice is slowly being removed."

Sudbury Mercury: Jan Osborne, mayor of SudburyJan Osborne, mayor of Sudbury (Image: Sudbury Town Council)

In a published report, Halifax said just 463 people used the counter inside the branch four times in the six months up to November 2023. 

The report said 32% of customers had used other Halifax banks in the last 12 months prior to November 2023, while 71% had used other branches or online banking in the previous six months. 

Sudbury Mercury: Halifax said just 463 people used the counter inside the branch four times in the six months up to November 2023Halifax said just 463 people used the counter inside the branch four times in the six months up to November 2023 (Image: PA)

It added 25% of customers had also used the Post Office in the last 12 months.

The majority of customers using the branch were aged between 55 and 74, while 25pc were aged over 75. 

Halifax will close for the final time on August 12. 

This follows closures by Barclays in Market Hill in July 2023, while HSBC closed in May last year.