It is looking increasingly likely that a bank in Woodley will close despite a spirited campaign by users to keep it open.

The Natwest in Crockhamwell Road, Woodley town centre is one of a hundred branches the banking giant is set to close this year.

The news has been met with disappointment by pensioner Dudley Jones, 83, who has expressed concern about the loss of service.

He said: “Over the past few years, they [Natwest staff] have been terrific and everyone in the bank were so helpful – especially as I am not very good with technology.

“This is why the closure of bank branches is a huge problem for the immobile and the elderly.

“It’s OK for younger people, but many my age can’t use a smartphone.”

Mr Jones set up a petition calling for the closure decision to be reversed which has received dozens of signatures.

READ MORE: Natwest customers sign petition to save Woodley branch

But hopes for the bank to remain open look increasingly vain as a crucial hurdle for the closure of the bank has been cleared.

That’s because Wokingham Borough Council’s planning department has approved Natwest’s application to remove all existing signage and the ATM from the bank.

A council planning officer noted that no objections to the project had been received by neighbours, councillors or Woodley town council.

The removal of the Natwest signage and ATM was approved by the borough council planning department on Wednesday, August 23.

You can view the approved application by typing reference 231600 into the council’s planning portal.