HSBC is set to close its Tredegar branch next month, despite attempts by Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies to urge them to reconsider.

Mr Davies met officials of the bank in Cardiff today (FRI) to ask them to retain the branch in the town.

Mr Davies said: “A number of constituents contacted me over their concerns about the proposed closure.

“I called for a meeting with officials to discuss the matter, but unfortunately their minds were made up.

“I asked them to think again, I stressed the importance of its presence in the town and how its customers wanted it retained.

“However they said due to declining use of the branch, it was no longer viable to keep it open."

The branch, which has been in its current location at Gwent Shopping Centre since 1992 and previously on Commercial Street, Tredegar, is not part of a wider reorganisation of HSBC offices.

Mr Smith added: “I am bitterly disappointed with this outcome. We want to attract more big companies to the area not see existing ones deserting us.”

Its three employees will not be made redundant as a result of the closure and they will be redeployed to other offices

HSBC have also announced its Newbridge branch is to close, and is earmarked for October 11. The bak said the closure is down to a significant drop in use in recent years

Staff from will be transferred to another branch, said the spokesman.

In May 2012 HSBC shut the Blaenavon bank down and in November 2012 shut their Caerleon branch, despite it being the only bank in the town.

Other HSBC branches operate in Ebbw Vale, Bargoed and Merthyr Tydfil.