Residents in Patcham, Brighton, finally have a local bank again after seven years thanks to the efforts of two brothers.

Paul Foreman, 39, and his brother, Neil, 32, who are independent mortgage brokers, have entered into an agreement with the Halifax to open a branch in the village where they have lived for most of their lives.

There was anger when Patcham, a suburb of north Brighton, was left without a bank in 1996 when Barclays decided to close its branch in Ladies Mile Road. It was the final straw after Lloyds and NatWest pulled out of the Brighton suburb.

It left Patcham with just one Link service till next to the Co-op in Old London Road and facilities for residents to pay into a bank or pay bills over a bank counter.

Patcham councillors Geoffrey and Carol Theobald, along with the now Brighton Pavilion MP Dave Lepper, urged Barclays to think again back in 1996 but it insisted on closing its Patcham branch.

First the old bank building became an electrical shop and then a cafe.

Paul and Neil Foreman, who run the family business David Foreman and Co, decided when opening new offices to enter into an agency agreement the Halifax.

The brand new bank is now operating in Ladies Mile Road, just opposite the old bank, and offering full facilities.

Neil said: "The people of Patcham have their bank back at long last.

"It is connected to the main banking system and there is nothing this bank can't do. In fact, it can offer even more because we can advise on mortgages.

"People are really pleased banking is back in Patcham and we have had a really positive response."

Elder brother Paul said: "There has been a phenomenal response to the new bank. The branch has full facilities and it looks and feels like a proper bank."

Coun Geoffrey Theobald, who still represents the ward, said: "I remember very well the concerns expressed when Barclays decided to pull out of Patcham. It is good to see a bank branch back in Patcham as these facilities are essential for a local community.

"The two brothers should be congratulated for encouraging the Halifax to bring bank facilities back to the people of Patcham."