ANOTHER two more bank branches in the area are due to close this summer, the Star has learned.

The branches, under the Santander brand but independently owned businesses, will shut in Fingerpost and Thatto Heath.

A company spokesman said both outlets provide “limited banking services” and the closures were part of its streamlining plans.

The Higher Parr Street branch will close on Friday, July 27, and Thatto Heath on Friday, August 1.

It follows the recent announcement that Barclays is also closing its branch in Fingerpost.

News of the Fingerpost closures prompted Town Centre ward Councillor Geoff Almond to write to the Star to raise his concerns.

He wrote: “I am, along with local residents and shopkeepers, very concerned that both of the banks are to close in August.

“This will be a huge blow to the local economy and will make banking much more difficult for both private and business bank customers.”

Santander said that a strategic review identified a number of “financial challenges” in maintaining such “third party” outlets.

This, they added, included “the investment needed to bring them up to the level required of a full service branch in the future”.

Steve Pateman, head of UK banking at Santander, said: “Part of enabling customers to choose how they deal with us is making sure that all of our retail branches offer full banking.”

The Santander branches in Church Street and Bridge Street in the town centre will remain open.