A HIGH street bank will only open three days a week after falling customer numbers have seen more hours cut.

Barclays bank in Burnham is open Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays.

But now the branch is axing Thursday opening due to a lack of customers.

Back in December 2014 the branch announced it was closing on Wednesdays.

It will mean from July 24 the branch will only be open to the public on three days of the week.

Barclays said the changes came as more people now use online and telephone banking.

Jon Clowes, Community Banking Director for Essex, said: “The way customers choose to bank is changing as people are increasingly moving away from traditional branches and using online, telephone and mobile devices for everyday transactions.

“While branches are still an important part of our business they must reflect how and when our customers are choosing to visit us.

“At the Burnham-on-Crouch branch, we have experienced a decline in customer usage on Thursdays and have therefore made the decision to change our opening hours from July 24 to Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9.30 am – 4.30 pm.

“Our colleagues have been informed about the change and will work at alternative branches on the days the branch is closed.

“We are committed to delivering a service that is shaped around what our customers want, offering them choice and flexibility, which is why the Burnham-on-Crouch branch will remain open.”

Town councillor Wendy Stamp said the news was “not good” for Burnham amid concerns it would hit elderly residents.

She said: “This is not good for the town, we have a great deal of elderly residents, not many of whom have access to internet banking, people need to be able to see representatives in person who aren’t as familiar with the new online banking methods.”

Burnham resident Matt Andrews said: “People were mislead into believing the closure at Southminster was not going to be that bad as there would still be a branch open in Burnham and this is what happens a couple of years later.

“There is nothing like being able to talk to someone face to face when you are looking at new services or need to make a decision about what options are available to you.”