Residents and councillors are feeling "disappointment, frustration and anger" after a bank plans to close its final branch in the area.

NatWest, in Churchill Parade, Rustington has informed the community that it plans to close this summer, leaving the village and the entire Arun district without a branch.

The announcement has caused frustration in the community, with fears that the closure could have a "significant detrimental impact" on businesses and elderly residents.

Councillors from Arun have also demanded an urgent meeting with NatWest to see if there are any alternative options.

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Conservative councillor Shaun Gunner, leader of the opposition on Arun District Council, said last week: "Councillors are united in disappointment, frustration and anger at today's news that NatWest intends to close their Rustington branch on Thursday 25th July.

"The view of both me and Councillor Alison Cooper is that this will have a noticeable and significantly detrimental impact on Rustington and the community.

"NatWest has been the bank of choice for many residents for many years, not least since other banks have left Rustington and Littlehampton. In fact, many residents and businesses have switched banks to NatWest due to its accessible location in Rustington when other banks have left the area.

"Many of our small businesses who still receive a significant amount of income via cash rely on being able to access a local bank.

"Similarly, with an elderly population the reliance on digital banking is not always a practical alternative, particularly with the rise of fraud and online scams.

"If the Rustington branch closes, Arun will be left without a NatWest, even though we are the largest district in West Sussex.

"But without a banking hub many residents and businesses will be left without being able to access important services.

"I shall be liaising with Sir Peter Bottomley MP, the parish council and others to see how we can mitigate any impacts on the community."

If the plans go ahead, the branch will close on July 25.

It is the last NatWest branch to close in the Arun district.