THE FORTHCOMING closure of a town's last bank is 'very disappointing', residents have said.

Barclay's Queensferry branch announced it will be closing its doors on December 14, leaving the town without a bank, something councillor for Sealand Ward Christine Jones described as a 'nightmare'.

The closest Barclays branch will be in Flint, with only two being left in the whole of Flintshire after the Queensferry branch closes.

The Leader took to the streets of Queensferry to get reaction from of some of its residents.

Pauline Bailey, who lives around the corner from the bank, said: ''I'm not happy about it, I use the Barclays in Queensferry to do all my cash withdrawals and the like. It is very convenient for me because I can go around the shops and then nip to the bank.

''Now I will have to go to ASDA to withdraw cash and into Shotton to pay cheques, which for me is a long way.''

Gaynor Sharland is from Penyffordd but chooses to do her shopping in Queensferry and so frequents the bank.

She said: ''I do all my baking in the branch, I don't do online banking so it is a big loss to me. I'll have to go the Barclays in Mold now but if they close that one I'll have to go as far as Flint, or into Chester.'''

Rose Johnson added: ''It's wrong, they shouldn't close it. All we'll have left in Queensferry is food outlets and a few shops, not having a bank leaves a big hole in the community. I bank online but I don't want to see the Barclays go.''

Sandra Edwards, who lives in Mancot, uses the Barclays and is sad to see it go.

She said: ''Me and all the locals I've spoken to are really disappointed with the news and that it's cost cutting exercise without thinking about the impact it'll have on the local people.

''Barclays think no one is using this and other banks, but they're wrong, so it is very disappointing to see that it's going."

Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside, said he is always disappointed to hear of banks closing in his constituency.

He added: “I appreciate that times are changing and so much of our banking needs are done electronically using the internet or over the phone, however there is still very much a place on our high streets for banks.

“Barclays do advise that most over the counter transactions can still be carried out at the post office at 55 Station Road, Queensferry, but it is still bitterly disappointing that they have decided that it is no longer financially viable to keep open this branch.

“I met with local Cllr Dave Wisinger to discuss it and we will be writing to Barclays raising the concerns of residents who rely on the branch.”