SKIPTON Building Society has announced it will close its Heswall branch later this year.

The Pensby Road offices will close on Tuesday, September 19.

The compnay says the move is a result of more customers using online and telephone services.

Director of distribution and financial advice Andrew Bottomley said: “It is with regret we have had to make the decision to close this branch in September.

"We’ve been so proud to serve our customers in person in Heswall and have held off for as long as we can before having to close the branch -which will be the first time Skipton has closed a branch in several years.

"But fewer people are using the branch in spite of the best efforts of our team there.

"This branch has seen a significant reduction in the number of people visiting it over the past two years.

"In comparison, over the same period, our online customer base has increased by 65% and activity in our customer contact centre has increased by over 10,000 enquiries.

“Our focus now is to do everything we can to support our team members affected by this news."

Three members of staff have been informed and the company is working with them to find suitable alternative roles at neighbouring branches.

Heswall customers will be encouraged to go to Skipton's Neston and West Kirby branches.