A BANK that was targeted by smash and grab raiders twice in just four months is to shut.

Customers of HSBC in Hedge End have been told they will now have to travel nearly six miles to Southampton city centre for some account services.

The bank has been closed since it was last ram-raided 11 weeks ago.

Police are still searching for three thieves who smashed a dark coloured Vauxhall Astra into a window of the Lower Northam Road branch before snatching “a small quantity” cash from behind the till and making off in a white Audi which had a 15 plate.

There was a similar attack on the bank by two ram-raiders in November.

Now HSBC say they will not reopen the branch after “significant damage” was caused in the latest attack.

They have written to customers saying: “After careful consideration, regrettably we have decided not to reopen this branch, therefore with immediate effect accounts held at the Lower Northam Road branch have been transferred to our branch at Above Bar Street Southampton.”

The letter advises customers that they can use online or telephone banking or other HSBC branches, including those in Park Gate and Eastleigh, for some services.

They can also visit the Post Office in Upper Northam Road, Hedge End to pay in cash or cheques or withdraw money from a personal current account.

However, customers say this is not good enough as they will have to travel up to six miles across the city to access some services and they are urging the bank to reconsider the closure.

Graham Hunter, 63, a retired IT engineer from Botley and vice-chairman of Botley Parish Council, said: “My concern would be for people who wanted to discuss mortgages, loans or debts because we have to go into Southampton and that’s a real trek for people.

“It’s all very well saying to use online banking but that’s a pain for some people and transport into the city isn’t easy and it will cost residents more.

“In my view the branch should beef up the security or transfer to a better building within the vicinity instead of closing.”

HSBC said the decision had been made due to reduced footfall at the branch over the last five years.

A spokeswoman told the Echo: “Over the past five years, we have seen an overall reduction in footfall at our branches of more than 40 per cent, and sometimes we have to make the difficult decision to close branches.

“These are not decisions we take lightly and we understand it can be unsettling for the local community.”

Hedge End still has branches of Lloyds, Natwest and Barclays.

Anyone with information about the raid is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference number 44160121859, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.