Community leaders in Framlingham have said they are "very disappointed" to learn Barclays will be closing the only bank in the east Suffolk town.

The banking giant has announced plans to shut its Market Hill branch on Friday, August 25. 

Barclays said a decline in the number of people using the branch is one of the principal reasons for the closure.

It said only 25 customers use the branch on a regular basis, with 86 per cent of people instead using online or mobile banking.

Once the branch closes in the summer, the nearest Barclays banks to Framlingham will be in Woodbridge and Leiston.

A swathe of banks across Suffolk are set to close in the coming months, with Barclays also closing in Newmarket, Mildenhall and Sudbury.

HSBC is also shutting its branches in Beccles and Sudbury.

Jim Overbury, clerk at Framlingham Town Council, said he had discussed the news with council leaders and expressed his frustration at Barclays' decision.

He said: "The town council is very disappointed to learn of this closure. It is very sad that is being done with no consultation.

"The timescale seems to be set in stone.

"It is a prominent building, so there is great concern over what will happen to it. 

"We're all a bit reeling from this news – the town council will discuss this and look to minimise the loss of our bank.

"Yet again, it is external factors that are affecting our community. Our town would like to have a say."

A Barclays spokesman said: "We want to reassure you that we’re here to help. We’ll stay in your community and you’ll be able to talk to us in person.

"We’re finalising the details of where we’ll be based, and when, to support you with your banking, and we‘ll share the details locally once confirmed."