The Wells branch of Santander has reduced its opening hours, but the bank is offering mortgage payment holidays and interest free overdraft buffers.

The branch in Wells Market Place will now be open from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday, staff permitting.

However, Santander customers can now apply to take a mortgage payment holiday online if they are struggling to pay each month.

Also, from Monday (April 6), Santander will provide a £350 interest free overdraft buffer for three months for all customers automatically.

This means the bank will automatically waive interest on up to £350 of any agreed overdraft limit. Until July 6, Santander will also remove fees for late payments and cash advances on its credit cards.

Both measures will be applied automatically so customers in Wells don't need to do anything. If you find you need to borrow more money, Santander will, where possible, try to increase your overdraft or credit card limit.

Susan Allen, CEO of Santander's retail and business banking division, said: "I want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to keep our call centres and branches open.

"However, we now have fewer colleagues available to work. This is because we have asked our more vulnerable staff to stay at home and others are self-isolating to help control the spread of the coronavirus.

"Under these extraordinary circumstances, I would ask that customers only call our contact centres or visit our branches if absolutely necessary, so that we can continue to prioritise these services for our more vulnerable customers and those most in need.

"If you need to access any savings you hold in fixed rate bonds and ISAs, we won't charge you a fee for doing so.

"In co-ordination with other banks and the retail industry, we have increased the maximum payment for a contactless card from £30 to £45 to allow more purchases to be made without the need for physical contact."