A BANK in Winchester city centre has closed its doors for the last time.

TSB in the High Street is permanently shutting, the National Federation of SubPostmasters has confirmed.

It has offered advice to customers.

A spokesperson said: "This will doubtless be disappointing to TSB’s customers in Winchester. However, alternative banking provision is available to local residents at post office branches nearby.

"The nearest post offices to the closing TSB bank, Winchester branch are: Winchester PO, 110 High Street; Upper High Street PO, 3-4 Upper High Street; Stoney Lane PO, 61-65 Stoney Lane.

"Each of these branches offers banking services - including deposits, free cash withdrawals and balance checks, as well as offering face-to-face access to government services, bill payment, foreign currency, travel insurance and, of course, postal services. There are currently 2,000 free-to-use ATMs installed across the UK post office network also."

TSB Bank plc began operating as a separate business within Lloyds Banking Group in 2013.

"Post offices are proving vital to retaining people’s and business’s access to cash as the banks continue to desert the high street in order to cut costs and increase their profits," the NFSP spokesperson added.

"Every post office plays a vital role within the heart of the local community. Post offices provide a reliable and essential service which has continued at a high standard across the whole of the UK throughout the pandemic."

TSB Winchester is open until 4pm.