Banks have been accused of failing disabled customers as widespread branch closures have made it increasingly difficult for these customers to access cash.

Nearly half of all local bank branches have closed in the past six years, forcing many people to move their banking online.

This has disproportionately impacted disabled customers, many of whom already found in-branch facilities inadequate, a report from Which? found.

More than four in 10 disabled customers said branch closures had a negative impact on their ability to access cash and vital banking services.

Among disabled customers who bank online, one in 10 said they found it difficult to navigate their bank’s website, while one in five found it hard to use their bank’s security measures, rising to a third of those with memory difficulties.

More than a third of disabled banking customers also said they found it hard to speak to their bank over the phone.

Which?'s findings are the latest warning about the decline in cash availability, a trend that has accelerated over the past 18 months.

Telegraph Money recently launched its "Keep Cash" campaign, which has seen more than 20 retailers pledge to continue accepting cash in their stores and outlets.

MPs and financial regulators have repeatedly warned that banks must do more to protect access to cash, which is relied on most heavily by the elderly and the vulnerable.

Which? research into the accessibility of individual branches found that wheelchair access is particularly limited at some of the country's biggest banks. About 15pc of Barclays outlets had no wheelchair access, while deaf or hard of hearing customers could not access hearing loops in 6pc of branches.

While banks have a legal obligation to make adjustments for disabled customers, one in seven respondents to Which?’s survey rated their banks as “poor” at respecting their communication preferences.

First Direct customers were most satisfied with the banks' disabled facilities. More than nine in 10 said they were fairly or very satisfied with the bank.

Nationwide, in second place overall, was the top-rated provider with a branch network.

HSBC received the lowest level of satisfaction from disabled customers, with four in 10 unsatisfied with the bank, followed by TSB, with an overall satisfaction rating of 65pc.

TSB said it continually worked to improve support available to disabled customers and had recently partnered with the Digital Accessibility Centre to review its mobile app and website.

HSBC UK said it strived to ensure its products and services were "fully inclusive, accessible and flexible" for all customers.

A HSBC spokesman said: "We are actively engaging with customers with disabilities to enhance our digital experiences as well as ensuring our branches are fully accessible.”

Barclays did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.

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