The number of closures in Ipswich has left people without a bank branch outside of the town centre, a new map reveals.

After the Natwest at Ransomes Europark shut for the final time on November 8, many will now have to travel into the centre of Ipswich to do their banking. 

The closure of The Sandlings branch is the latest in a series of closures in Suffolk, with banking giants citing how people access their money today as part of the changes.

Barclays' Woodbridge Road branch first shut in February 2021 in what was a "huge loss" to the community, according to Suffolk County Council's Paul West.

In May 2023, Lloyds shut its Bramford Road bank as part of nationwide cuts.

Both Barclays and Lloyds still have sites in Ipswich town centre. 

Ipswich Star: The Natwest Ransomes Europark closure is the latest in IpswichThe Natwest Ransomes Europark closure is the latest in Ipswich (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Jack Abbott, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Ipswich, described the changes as a "blow".

He said: "This will be a blow for many people, especially those who struggle to use digital banking and rely on in-person services.

"We must protect face-to-face banking, ensuring essential in-person services, including opening new accounts, applying for loans, making and receiving payments and setting up standing orders.

"There must also be guarantees that people will still have free access to cash services as there is real concern that, unless action is taken, paying fees for withdrawals from cash machines or retailers will soon become the norm."

While many banks maintain a presence in Ipswich, other Suffolk towns have been left without a permanent branch. 

Haverhill, Mildenhall, Southwold have all been left without a bank after a swathe of sweeping changes across the county. 

Community leaders in Framlingham were left "very disappointed" after the east Suffolk town's only bank closed in May.