THE OTLEY branch of Barclays bank is to close in December.

Letters have been sent to the bank's customers informing them of the decision to close the Manor Square branch on December 14. The nearest alternative branches are in Guiseley, Horsforth and Ilkley.

On its website Barclays gives its reasons for closure.

It says: "The number of transactions has gone down in the previous 24 months, and additionally 77 per cent of our branch customers use other ways to do their banking such as online and by telephone."

"Customers using other ways to do their banking has increased by 17 per cent since 2012."

It adds:"In the past 12 months, 34 per cent of this branch's customers have been using neighbouring branches.

"We've identified that only 196 customers use this branch exclusively for their banking."

Otley Town Council Chairman Ray Georgeson said: "This is hugely disappointing news from Barclays and while we recognise that there is a national trend of increasing numbers of bank closures, this is no consolation to the many Otley customers of Barclays, some of whom will have been loyal customers for decades.

"While the dominance of Internet banking is undoubtedly here to stay, this does not work for everybody and all the banks have an increasing duty to find new ways to serve their loyal, long standing customers for whom personal banking is still important.  Surely this is an issue the banks and Government should be addressing as a matter of urgency?"