The last remaining bank in Tankerton is to close after the NatWest announced it was bringing down the shutters.

It is a blow to people living in the area who have already suffered the losses of Lloyds TSB and HSBC banks.

And it flies in the face of Natwest's pledge to remain open if it was 'the last bank in town.'

A company spokesman said it had reviewed the service in Tankerton and not taken the decision lightly but the nearest other NatWest was only a mile away.

The branch is due to close its doors for good on Wednesday, July 27.

Newly-elected Tankerton councillor Neil Baker said: "It is a loss but we need to make sure that those who are less mobile can get into whitstable as easily as possible."