Bosses at Barclays have defended the decision to shut a town centre branch blaming an increase in more people using digital services.

The bank in Margate high street will close on May 7 with customers wanting face-to-face service being encouraged to use the Ramsgate branch, three miles away, or Herne Bay's, which is an 11 mile journey.

Customers are also being reminded they can use the Post Office for everyday transactions.

Kim Mezoui, market director for Barclays in Kent, says the Margate facility has seen a decline in customer usage of around a fifth (21%) in the last two years.

"Four fifths (81%) of our customers now use telephone and online banking, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close the branch," she said.

"We hope that the availability of our Barclays branches in Ramsgate and Herne Bay along with our range of digital channels, will help to ease the transition for our customers."

Bank chiefs insist they do not take the decision to close any branch lightly.

'We urge any customer who is concerned to contact us' - Barclays

"All of our customers will receive a letter, our decision to close document and posters will be displayed in branch and colleagues will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have," a spokesman said.

"We will be proactively engaging with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally, before the branch closes.

"We urge any customer who is concerned about how to undertake their banking once the branch closes to contact us so that we can discuss alternative banking options."

A 'tea and teach' session is being arranged at the Margate branch before it shuts for people wishing to explore digital banking.

To contacts Barclays call 0345 734 5345.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet