A decision not to provide a banking hub in a Suffolk town is now being 're-evaluated,' a Suffolk MP has said.

Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey met Adrian Roberts, deputy chief executive of cash machine operator LINK, to discuss the hub in Leiston, which will enable residents to continue accessing banking services when the town's Barclays Bank branch closes on May 17.

In January, the bank announced it would be closing the Main Street outlet due to falling numbers of customers, prompting an outcry from residents and a number of petitions being set up, including by Dr Coffey which had more than 600 signatories, calling for the bank to be saved.

READ MORE: LINK is set to review following Barclays' closure in Leiston

Particular concern was expressed about older and less mobile customers who would have to travel to neighbouring branches more than 20 miles away in Lowestoft and Ipswich.

Dr Coffey said: “Following my parliamentary petition and robust lobbying at a round table meeting in the treasury, I’m delighted that LINK is now re-evaluating the need for a hub here in Leiston.

“It was great to show Adrian some of the realities on the ground, such as limited Post Office opening hours and the impact of Sizewell C and the expansion of Alde Valley School, meaning more people living in and visiting the town.

READ MORE: A Barclays Local is set to open in Leiston to replace branch

"It’s, therefore, essential we have proper banking facilities. Thanks to the Leiston town clerk for helping me pull together the additional evidence to justify the hub application.”

The hubs enable customers to use services provided by the former branches.

“I’m hopeful that we’ll get a positive result and that LINK approve a banking hub having now understood how the rural economy works in this part of Suffolk.

"If we get the hub approved, I would press Barclays to stay open until the hub is up and running," Dr Coffey said.

READ MORE: Leiston news