A POST Office has seen a surge in business after the last bank in the area closed.

Lloyds Bank, in Barnards Green Road, Malvern, was the area's last remaining branch before it closed on Monday, March 13.

The owner of the Post Office, in Court Road, Malvern, is now encouraging other residents to come to her for banking services.

Jenny Cain, town councillor and owner of the Post Office in Court Road, Barnards Green, said: "The bank closed on Monday. I knew there would be an uptake in business but I didn't expect this much.

"The overriding message is don't don't abandon us and go to the top of the hill. Don't desert us.

"With banks closing people don't realise our services are available. We will still be here in 40 years' time.

"The Post Office is my private business. I'm not going anywhere, it's not like a bank manager changing.

"My customers know they will see me every time. There's still quite a few people that don't know the bank is closed.

"We need to say to people stay in the green, you can do your banking here."

Ms Cain said customers can pay in money and cheques and withdraw cash at the Post Office. They also offer home, car and life insurance, travel money and have a mortgage specialist that comes in every week.

"We also have an ATM and a full range of savings accounts. I'm the only person in the Green that does that level of banking now," she said.

Jane Knowles, chair of Barnards Green Traders, said: "All the traders in the Green are going to support our post office that services can now be handled by the Post Office.

"Our regulars want to go to the fresh vegetable shop and want to get the things they need in the area they live and having to commute elsewhere isn't want people want to do.

"I'm thrilled it's been so popular. It shows that the community of traders is effective and can work together to an aim."