News of the loss of Denbigh's Barclays branch has led business owners to voice their disappointment of a “step too far” for the banking giant.

The proposed April 27 closure of the Barclays bank on the market town's Hall Square, will mean that for many business owners the nearest face-to-face banking facilities will require a trip to the coast to branches in Prestatyn or Rhyl.

Concerns have been raised by Peter Jones, owner of Highgate electrical appliance store E Jones & Sons which has been a mainstay in the town since it was established in 1906 by his great-grandfather.

Mr Jones said:“Barclays has been my family’s bank since I was a schoolboy, and the business has used the bank since at least the 1920’s.

“Because Denbigh still had its banking facilities, there was a nice trend emerging of people coming into the town from rural areas and buy a washing machine or a fridge while they were here.

”But I would say it’s a step too far for the banks.

“I can understand the argument from their end about logistics and costs, but why are there still branches in Rhyl and Prestatyn when they are just a few miles apart, but Denbigh isn't geographically supported?”

Mark Young, owner of the Chocolate Shop, across the street from barclays echoed concerns: “Footfall is key to the success of any town. It’s worrying that they’re deserting people and customers in Denbigh that have been loyal to them, and even bailed them out their industry nationally.”

“They’ve put profit before people, and they should be ashamed. They tell us we can do all of our banking online, but that’s not really any use for depositing cash and I worry that many of our elderly residents might be vulnerable to scams.

“Is it safe for traders to go all that way to Rhyl or Prestatyn with their week’s takings? Some of the business owners in Denbigh are also elderly, even if they bring a member of staff as an escort how can a business afford to have two people out on an hour and a half round trip once a week?”

However, in fellow Vale of Clwyd market town Ruthin, which it's due to lose its Barclays the week before on April 20, the nearest branches will Llangollen and Mold and the mood is decidedly more upbeat.

Tudor Jones, owner of Trefor Jones menswear on Clwyd Street, said: "It's nothing new. if we relied on banks, it wouldn't do us any good. I doubt they have really helped businesses in Ruthin much over the past few years anyway. Natwest closed last year and we still had a good year.

"I don't want to moan and groan, we don't really have any choice but to learn to adapt. I'm more concerned about the empty buildings. the last thing we want is another vacant shop, but it might also give us a new opportunity to open a new business which could promote the town more."