The decision by NatWest to permanently shut down its branch in Wibsey after it was targeted by armed robbers is an unfortunate one that will have a negative impact on a local community.

It is obviously understandable to a degree that the company has looked at security in the aftermath of these crimes, and the bank says that the decision is the only way it can protect its staff and customers.

BANK REFUSES TO REVERSE DECISION TO CLOSE BRANCH IN WIBSEY

But sadly, the message it sends out is that the criminals have won, and rather than improve security, it is easier to simply close the branch down.

This decision deprives the local community of a vital facility, and will have a big impact on many who use it, including businesses and elderly people who may have difficulty travelling.

And it means that once again a small branch of an organisation has been lost to a community, who fought hard to get an about- turn from the NatWest, including setting up a petition, but to no avail.

The bank is clearly entitled to make decisions about where and how it operates its branches – that is a simple fact of business.

It is the reason given for the closure that is causing some bitterness.

The impact of these shocking crimes on staff cannot be underestimated, but banks are hit by robberies and thefts all the time, and cannot shut down their branches every time this happens.

Instead, more needs to be done to keep staff safe – and keep branches open in smaller communities that have already lost many facilities to modernisation.