A leading councillor has welcomed a high street bank's decision not to include the Felixstowe branch among more than 160 new closures.

Despite reports elsewhere, the Hamilton Road TSB will not be closing either in this, or next year's. round of closure.

County councillor Steve Wiles, who represents Felixstowe ward, said: "The announcement from TSB that it is planning to close some 164 of its High Street branches will come as a blow to many communities.

Sadly this announcement highlights the continuing withdrawal of High Street banking facilities due to the shift to digital banking.

"The Felixstowe branch is well used and not named on the current list of closures for 2021.

TSB promise to remain committed to branch networks and to retaining one of the largest networks in the UK."

While some branches in Suffolk will be closing, including the one on Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, the resort's town centre TSB will be carrying on as usual.

However, one businessman is still concerned about the future of Felixstowe's town centre The business owner asked not to be identified fully as he is in dispute with East Suffolk Council over business rates and is furious he is being asked to pay even more in another scheme but feels both the district and town councils have failed to fight hard enough for local traders.

Mr Ali told Nub News: "This town is dying and asking for more money, so speaking frilly words is not going to save it.

"Places closing like TiU, Ipswich Building Society and M&S before them, is just a small sign that national companies no longer have confidence in our shopping centre.

"Their is a head in sand attitude from the district council, which has got even worse since the merger and the bluster from the town council and the likes of Felixstowe Forward and Visit Felixstowe clearly still don't understand what we business people are going through.

"We need a clear strategy to help all of us, and for all the reports and words, nothing has really materialised."

Mr Ali admits he is looking to sell up but accepts it is probably not the best time.

He said: "For people to buy there needs to be confidence, the first ting buyers ask is 'why are you selling', what can honestly say to them, except me and my family have had enough.

"Maybe things are better for others, but look at the places that are shutting. It is not very encouraging."

Meanwhile, Debbie Crosbie, chief executive of TSB, said: "Closing any of our branches is never an easy decision, but our customers are banking differently – with a marked shift to digital banking.

"We are reshaping our business to transform the customer experience and set us up for the future.

"This means having the right balance between branches on the high street and our digital platforms, enabling us to offer the very best experience for our personal and business customers across the UK."

What do you think, is Mr Ali right, or do you believe Felixstowe Town Council, East Suffolk and Suffolk County councils are doing a good job.

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