MP for Tonbridge and Malling, Tom Tugendhat, has spoken of his disappointment at the decision of Barclays to close its branch in Edenbridge.

On October 30 the bank on Edenbridge High Street will close its doors for the last time.

This means customers will have to travel to East Grinstead, Oxted or Sevenoaks to access the nearest bank.

A spokesman for Barclays said lack of use was a main reason for the closure.

Residents and local business owners have taken to social media to vent their frustration and Barabara Rogers has started a petition.

On the Change.org page she says: "The branch is the only bank in Riverhead. It is convenient for small businesses and individuals.

"It has great counter staff who know their customers individually. They always have a warm welcome and are very helpful.

"With Sevenoaks changing to an automatic branch full of machines it gives customers the personal experience that so many customers want and Barclays have never thought to consult their customers before making these decisions.

"The Riverhead branch has also got free parking making easily accessibility.

"Please support this petition and stop the closure of this branch which is part of the community and stop Barclays from yet again making another wrong decision."

Supporters have taken to the page to air their views. Samantha Bishop said it would be a shame to see the branch go as it was a useful and very local.

Sarah Richards said: "I use this bank regularly and I am disabled so I find it difficult to use the Barclays in Sevenoaks town easily."

Commenting on the news, Tom Tugendhat MBE MP, said: “I am very disappointed that Barclays will be closing their Edenbridge branch. This will inconvenience many in town.

“I have spoken to Barclays today and they have assured me that over the coming weeks they will be putting into place measures to protect customers who find travel difficult. I have also been reassured by Barclays that staff affected have been transferred elsewhere and will not lose their jobs.”

"I will also be speaking to the Town and District Councils. The need to champion Edenbridge and come up with new ways to attract inward investment has never been greater. Edenbridge is a great town that could do so much better.”

“I am very disappointed that Barclays will be closing their Edenbridge branch. This will inconvenience many in town" - Tom Tugendhat

Following the planned closure, the nearest branches for Riverhead residents will be Sevenoaks, Borough Green or Biggin Hill.

Deborah Wiltshire, Barclays community leader for Kent said: "The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices. We must therefore evolve the shape and size of our branch network in response to changing customer behaviour.

"Our records show that the use of this branch has fallen by almost two thirds since 2008, and that many of our customers are already using other nearby branches. "

Everyday transactions including paying in a cheque or depositing cash, can also be completed at the Post Office located in the Day Lewis Chemists in Riverhead.

Miss Wiltshire added: "We do not take the decision to close any branch lightly. All of our customers will receive a letter, posters will be displayed in branch and colleagues will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have."

Riverhead employees will be transferred to positions in Sevenoaks High Street's branch.