LLOYDS TSB has shocked the Marlow Chamber of Trade by cancelling its membership with the business group after 44 years.

The High Street bank says it has reviewed the situation and decided not to renew membership but remain tight-lipped on exactly why.

Members were both surprised and upset when the news was announced at a chamber meeting this week.

Colin Berks, president of the chamber, said: "This is a very sad situation. They will be one of the few banks in the town that are not members of the chamber.

"This move seems to be completely at odds with their current advertising campaign promoting links with the community."

The bank admits the national television adverts do promote links within the community but say they are for the Lloyds TSB Foundation, a separate charitable trust.

Alan Coster, a founder member of the chamber, said he was appalled at the news at the Monday meeting.

He added: "We have had more treasurers from Lloyds bank than any other bank."

He said after the meeting: "When the chamber first began in 1956 the Lloyds manager was our treasurer. Successive managers have been on the committee for very many years. I think it is a very short-sighted policy."

A spokesman for Lloyds TSB said: "The Chamber of Trade has served the town well. We have reviewed our situation and decided that we will not be renewing our membership."