A BANK has been criticised for allowing its former premises in Helmsley to resemble a "commercial slum".

Cllr Chris Parkin, a member of Helmsley Town Council, said he had reported the condition of the NatWest building in the town's Market Place on various occasions with little or no response.

“I would like to admonish the National Westminster bank for allowing its former premises in Helmsley Market Square to resemble a commercial slum,” he said.

“Repeated attempts though various official channels have brought little or no response to reports on the state of the iconic premises formerly used and it is believed owned by the National Westminster Bank.

“Peeling paint, filthy windows and doors, weeds growing through bank owned pedestrian areas do nothing to add to the charisma that is Helmsley.

"In today’s world of high street shopping, which is under constant online attack, it is frankly appalling that a national respected organisation can ignore repeated requests to make its former premises at the very least presentable, occupied or not.”

A spokesman for the company said the branch was still under their ownership and they had investigated the site to confirm that it is safe and secure

“It was brought to our attention that a complaint had been raised regarding this branch, and this complaint was investigated and we are taking action to address this as quickly as we can.

"We take all customer complaints seriously, and have responded to this complaint accordingly.”