Nearly 700 people have signed petitions calling for a bank not to close its Burnham branch.

Retired consultant surgeon Anthony Steel, 70, distributed the petitions throughout Burnham following NatWest’s announcement that it would close its premises in the town.

Mr Steel has also met with MP John Whittingdale to discuss what, if anything, can be done to halt the closure.

Mr Whittingdale said: “I quite understand that the number of people using the bank branches is falling steadily with more and more people are using online banking.

“We need to see what other arrangements can be made.

A NatWest spokesman has already highlighted that an agreement is in place with the Post Office so people can withdraw cash, check balances, and make deposits free of charge.