THE Risca and Caldicot branches of HSBC is to close in June, it has emerged – just days after the bank announced the the Usk branch is to close.

Earlier this week the bank announced its Usk branch would be closing in June.

Now it has emerged the branch in Tredegar Street, Risca, would also be closing on Friday, June 3, meaning customers will have to travel to Blackwood, Cwmbran or Newport.

Islwyn MP Chris Evans has expressed dismay at the plans and has written to the bank saying he is concerned about the impact on the elderly as well as people on low incomes or without internet access and businesses.

The Labour MP said: “I am deeply concerned about the effect the closure of the Risca branch of the HSBC will have on the town,” he said.

“I do not feel that online or telephone banking services are a suitable replacement for speaking face to face with someone at their local branch.

“Although some services will still be available from the local Post Office, it is already very busy in its role as a supermarket without also being used as a bank.

“It is not a realistic or suitable alternative to a HSBC branch in the town.

“I do not believe that HSBC has properly considered the impact the branch closure will have on Risca and the local community.

“This is why I have written to HSBC asking them to reconsider the branch closure.”

Caldicot's branch on Newport Road will also shut on June 3.

A HSBC spokesman said 93 per cent of customer contacts with the Risca branch was made via telephone, the internet or smartphone app and 97 per cent of cash withdrawals were made via an ATM.

"We never take the decision to close a branch lightly, and we understand it's unsettling for the local community,” he said.

“Unfortunately, with an increase in the use of online and telephone banking over the past few years use of the Risca branch has fallen significantly, and we've taken the difficult decision to close it.

“We are working with customers who use the branch to help them understand their options, which include being able to use local post offices for their day-to-day banking.

“There are also free ATMs in the area."

Conservative MP for Monmouth Nick Ramsey also hit out at the plans for Usk earlier this week.