EIGHT jobs could be lost when a town centre bank closes later this year.

The Co-operative Bank’s Regent Circus branch will shut its doors in May.

The firm claims that a rise in the number of its customers banking online is behind the closure. The Swindon branch is one of 27 branches that will shut.

In a statement, Heather Lauder, the Co-operative Bank’s chief banking operations director, said: “This decision has not been taken lightly and we realise this may be difficult news for some colleagues.

“Like many banks, the proposal reflects changes in the way our customers are choosing to bank with us, which has continued to accelerate as customers increasingly undertake more of their transactions online or via contactless payments.

“We are writing to affected customers to provide information about the alternative options available to them, as well as our online and mobile banking facilities, the closing branch is within one mile of a Post Office branch where customers can undertake most day to day transactions.”

She said that the bank would be investing in remaining branches and their online services.

The Co-operative Bank say they have spoken to staff members whose jobs are on the line.

“The bank is seeking to keep job losses to a minimum and will look to redeploy colleagues into posts within the bank where possible,” a spokeswoman said.

The Swindon Regent's Circus branch will close on May 21.

The Co-operative Bank’s Bath branch will also shut. Branches in Reading and Oxford will not be affected by the closures.

Last March, the Co-operative Bank’s chief executive announced the closure of 10 branches, after the bank reported its fifth consecutive year of losses.