THE decision to close a High Street bank has been branded “a disgrace” by the town’s mayor.

Last week, the Standard revealed NatWest would be closing its branch in Manningtree High Street on November 30 because of a fall in transactions.

Mayor Mark Morsley, who is also a customer at the branch, said he feared the building would stand empty.

He said: “It is a big building in a prime position, but I don’t see another bank coming into the town and the structure doesn’t lend itself to being a shop.

“It is probably just going to stand there and become an eyesore.

The state of the building is only going to deteriorate.

“There is a small car park at the back and I could see crime starting up there at night.

“If they don’t want to be in the town, perhaps they should give the building to someone who does.

“Just to leave the town and the community high and dry, I think is a disgrace.”

man Debbie Phillips said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close the NatWest Manningtree branch on the November 30.

“We are working hard to ensure there are a number of alternative ways for people in the area to continue to bank with us.”

Barclays will be the only bank remaining in Manningtree after the closure.