The closure of Reepham's only bank will be a 'major blow' to the town, it has been claimed.

HSBC has confirmed it will close its bank, in Reepham Market Place, in October.

The Reepham Chamber of Commerce is preparing to launch a campaign urging HSBC to reverse its decision.

It is seeking the support of Broadland MP Keith Simpson and local councillors.

Chamber chairman Brenda Gostling said: 'This decision will have a serious impact on our retailers who are already struggling in the current economic climate.

'The bank not only provides facilities for their needs, it also draws people into the town who then stay to shop.'

HSBC confirmed last month that it planned to cut 25,000 jobs around the globe, including as many as 8,000 in the UK, but a spokesman said efforts will be made try to find the Reepham bank's employees work elsewhere in the company.

The spokesman said: 'We never take the decision to close a branch lightly, and we understand it may be unsettling for the local community.

'Unfortunately, use of the Reepham branch has fallen significantly over the past few years, and we've taken the difficult decision to close it.

'We are working with customers to help them understand their options, which include being able to use the Reepham post office to check their balance and withdraw and pay in cash and cheques to their HSBC account.

'We're working with our employees who work in the branch to find them a role in the local area.'

HSBC in Reepham closed temporarily after it was hit by ram-raiders in 2012.

Mrs Gostling said: 'If we lose both the bank and the cash machine, the danger is that our shops' customers will both bank and shop elsewhere.

'We had a taster of this in 2012 when the bank was closed for a period of months after thieves took a JCB to the bank wall.

'Our shops then reported a significant downturn in their turnover.'

She added: 'I find HSBC's decision surprising.

'Reepham has seen some positive growth over the past 12 months with the creation by the Byfords Group of the Dial House which is attracting new people to the town and with the expansion of The Original Cottage Company into Bank House.

'Reepham is a busy place – and the bank always seems busy. The bank is used by large numbers of our pensioners – many of whom will not be using online banking.'

The chamber of commerce will be holding a meeting with the Reepham Town Team on Wednesday night to formulate a campaign strategy.