Cowbridge's Chamber of Trade is calling for a 'banking hub' in the town centre, following the announcement that the local Barclays branch will close.

Barclays announced that its Cowbridge branch will close permanently at noon on 20 August, citing a decrease in the number of counter transactions, with customers reportedly using alternative methods such as online and telephone banking.

In its 'branch closure feedback' leaflet, Barclays also said that in the past 12 months, 23% of this branch's customers have been using nearby branches and that they identified that only 42 customers use this branch exclusively for their banking.

"The closure of the banks will cause difficulties for businesses and the public alike," said Kate Thomas, chairperson of the Chamber of Trade.

"We are calling for a banking hub where each bank has a representation in one building, reducing their rental costs and adding convenience to their customers who may use more than one bank.

"In the meantime, businesses and the public can use the post office in Nisa for some of the bank services.

"We very much hope as a Chamber to see new businesses taking up the buildings vacated by the banks and keeping the High Street as full and vibrant as possible."