A decision to close a high street’s last remaining branch will be a “hammer blow” to the entire community, an MP has claimed.

Harrow East Conservative MP Bob Blackman has called for Nat West to reverse its decision to close its Harrow Weald branch, in High Road.

Last month, shopkeepers in the area gave an overwhelming thumbs down to the plans, which they fear could in turn kill of their businesses.

Mr Blackman said: “It is an essential service for a small but loyal group of local residents and small businesses in the Harrow Weald area.

“It is the only bank locally, has constantly big queues and its loss will be a hammer blow to the entire community and put businesses at risk, as well as leaving staff without jobs which they currently carry out with pride, skill and passion for retail banking and local community businesses.

“A number of constituents have written in to me with outrage that this is to happen. Time is short, but I hope that RBS will get the message before it is too late.”

The branch is set to close its doors on July 25, although a cash machine will remain in place.

The nearest alternative branch will be in Harrow Town Centre.

A spokesman for Natwest said footfall and transactions at the bank have fallen by 18 per cent in the past few years as people turn to online banking.

It will take a number of measures to ensure its customers can still access to their bank services including agreeing an arrangement with the nearby Post Office branch.