The news Claygate will lose the only bank in the village in February next year has been met with anger.

Traders have also voiced fears businesses would suffer unimaginably because shoppers would struggle to withdraw the cash independent shops so heavily rely on.

Councillor Steve Wells said he was flooded with complaints on a recent visit to Claygate and said removing the bank would be as damaging as the on-street parking charges villagers fought so tirelessly to fight.

He said: “This is a really bad decision from Barclays. The closure will be a huge blow.

“We have no other bank in Claygate and for businesses in marginal profitability; small things like this can push them over.

“It is vital for a thriving business community, but they haven’t considered that at all. We are going to fight this very hard.”

He has set up an action group with the provisional name Claygate Against Barclays Shutting (Cabs), and said it was fitting given the expensive cab rides people would need to other banks.

When the branch closes on February 3, the nearest bank for Claygate residents will be Esher, and a spokesman for Barclays said there seven branches within four miles of Claygate.

They said it would not result in any job losses and that customers could take out cash within the Post Office in Claygate Parade.

The spokesman said: “There are regular changes as we work to ensure we have branches where customers need and use them.

“This often means opening or refurbishing a branch but occasionally the decision is made to close a branch, for example where there is low customer use.

“The decision to close Claygate branch has not been taken lightly and we appreciate that it may inconvenience some customers.”

Councillor Jimmy Cartwright, who has been heavily involved with Elmbridge Access Group, said it was a terrible idea and the nearby branches would be no consolation to the elderly and disabled.

He said: “I know of at least three people that use buggies to get down to the bank for their money. They can’t drive so I’m very unhappy about that.

“I’m disappointed that we’ve got over the threat of parking charges, and now we’ve been hit with this one.”