The HSBC bank in The Street Ashtead is to close permanently after being robbed three times in just over three years.

Bank bosses say it is too risky to keep it open.

Two members of staff were on duty when all three attacks were carried out.

After the last robbery they took time off sick to get over the shock.

Security advisers have told HSBC management that the bank is vulnerable because it is located on the A24 in close proximity to the M25, enabling robbers to make a quick getaway.

Tim Pie from the HSBC press office, said: "It has been raided three times in three years and we feel with that sort of occurrence it is an unacceptable risk to our staff and our customers to keep it open.

“Consultations say that criminals target it because it is an avenue for an easy get away.

“We are hoping that our customer won’t be hugely inconvenienced by its closure - there are a lot of other bank services in the area.”

He added that a declining number of customers were using the bank and in 2008 only three new current accounts were opened.

The three members of staff employed at the Ashtead bank have been offered jobs at other branches.

Shopkeepers are concerned at the decline in banking services in Ashtead and the subject will be discussed at this week’s meeting of the Ashtead Village Traders Association.

Chairman Brian Elphick said: “It has been a cause for concern. It will undoubtedly cause inconvenience.”

"The two other banks in Ashtead, Barclays and Lloyds TSB are only open part time.”

The last robbery took place at about lunchtime on Wednesday, March 18 when a man walked into the bank and ordered the cashier to hand over money.

He threatened her although he did not produce a weapon.

The other two raids were carried out at gunpoint.

The March robbery was carried out by a white man, between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall and wearing a grey hooded top with the hood pulled over his face.

He was wearing beige combat style trousers and white trainers.

Police have appealed for witnesses to contact them on 0845 125 2222.

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