Town councillors have spoken of their 'dismay' at plans by HSBC to close its town centre branch in Harleston.

The bank announced that it would be shutting its building in the Market Place on April 20 because of declining footfall.

Members of Redenhall with Harleston Town Council spoke of their anger at the decision and have called on HSBC to reconsider. The council is set to send a letter to the bank asking them to think again.

Local district councillor Jeremy Savage said on Wednesday night that the decline in footfall could be attributed to HSBC's decision to reduce the number of services it offers in Harleston. He added that the branch closure would hit local businesses, with customers having to drive to Diss or Framlingham to their nearest branch.

Adrian Brownsea added: 'This decision owes everything to corporate greed and nothing to customer service.'

A petition against the closure has already been started, which has more than 400 signatures.