HALIFAX bank has confirmed that its branch in West Street, Farnham is to close permanently after a ram raid destroyed its Grade II Listed shop front in August.

Students have long-moved back into the flats above the bank after being evacuated in the wake of the August 17 raid - but the bank has remained eerily empty ever since and, in a letter to customers this week, confirmed that the branch will remain closed for good.

A Halifax spokesperson said: “Following a review, we have taken the difficult decision to permanently close the Halifax Farnham West Street branch. This is because of the changing ways customers choose to bank with us, with most already using an alternative way to bank.

“This branch is currently closed due to damage caused by criminal activity and will not re-open.”

According to the bank, which is part of the Lloyds Banking Group, the majority of its customers now regularly use alternative branches or use other ways to bank such as online and telephone banking to complete their banking needs.

The Halifax spokesman also suggested Farnham Post Office and its range of banking services “is a short walk away” - apparently oblivious to plans to relocate the Post Office branch to WH Smith in The Borough.

“Personal and business banking customers can withdraw money or check their balance, as well as pay in cheques and money to their account at any Post Office branch,” the spokesman added.

“The nearest free to use ATM is also a short walk away.

“Customers will have their accounts realigned to Aldershot branch around three miles away, and there will be no other impact to the way they manage their accounts.

“They can use any branch for their banking needs, as well as utilising the other banking options available to them.”

Halifax customers have reacted angrily to the news, however, with 64 year old retired teacher Peter Best telling the Herald he intends to transfer his account to another Farnham town centre bank.

Mr Best said: “It’s ludicrous - the stupidity of it all beggars belief. The letter from the bank says the branch will close permanently in February - but it’s already been closed since August. It’s bonkers.

“I’ve been a Halifax customer for 30-odd years but I’m going to see what Nationwide have to offer as I’ve no wish to trundle off to Farnborough or Aldershot just to visit the bank.

“I used to teach the Halifax Farnham branch manager at Salesian College, and it’s a great shame if the staff lose their jobs over this. I’m so old, I won’t do internet banking, and people need jobs - not Chinese programmers.

“I feel sorry for the staff, and can’t help but think the ram raid has given Halifax a convenient excuse to close the branch.

“Their reasons for shutting it seem farcical and I’m surprised that a town the size of Farnham doesn’t have enough customers to warrant keeping a branch open in the town?”