NEWENT'S MP, Mark Harper, responded to news that the Lloyds Bank branch in town will close by visiting the Post Office.

Mr Harper said his aim was to "highlight the wide range of financial services which the branch offers".

And he visited Newent Post Office after receiving letters from constituents who were worried about the closure of the town's Lloyds Bank branch.

Mr Harper said: “I had the pleasure of opening the Post Office in Newent when it was refurbished in 2013 and it was good to go back. I was really impressed with the wide range of financial services they offer.

"Postmistress Helen Gunning and her team do a good job and I saw at first hand the excellent service they offer to my constituents to meet their basic banking needs."

After the visit, Mark Harper arranged for Laura Tarling, Public Affairs Manager for Royal Mail to join him for a meeting with some constituents who had contacted him about this issue.

Having joined Mark Harper MP on the visit, Cllr Len Lawton, District Councillor for the Newent Central ward, said: "The internet is altering the make-up of the high street by changing our shopping and banking habits. Having joined Mark on this visit, I believe the Post Office are well placed to supply our needs, but to retain the service we must use the service."