A DOG lover is furious after the manager at Santander in Trowbridge banned dogs from the premises because a customer was upset by an incident involving another dog.

Kevin Barnett, 52, who has banked with Santander for two years, was shocked when he went into the branch and was told his 18-month-old miniature Dachshund would have to wait outside because a dog had jumped up at a customer prior to his visit.

The IT analyst, of Spring Meadows, Trowbridge, is now planning to find a bank that welcomes dogs.

He said: “My wife and I had been going into the branch with Norbert for the past 17 months without any issue.

“Then we were told that dogs were no longer allowed in because someone’s dog had jumped up at another customer, who then complained.

“Why should responsible dog owners like us be punished for one incident? It’s ridiculous and shows that they don’t have any respect for their customers.

“There’s no way I would tie Norbert up to a lamppost outside. We cherish him and would not want to risk anything happening to him.

“He is a very small dog and would never jump at anybody in the bank – or anywhere for that matter.”

Mr Barnett, who visited the bank every month with his wife and Norbert to transfer money between accounts, says he is also unhappy with the way the bank responded to his complaint about the incident, which happened just before Christmas.

“The branch manager is not willing to discuss the issue with us or budge whatsoever,” he said.

“We received a standard letter saying that our complaint has been resolved, but it hasn’t.

“This is terrible service; it’s no wonder branches are closing.”

A Santander spokesman said: “We work to support visually impaired customers with their banking needs and these customers can come in to any of our branches with their assistance dog.

“However, we do not permit other dogs in our branches and there is a sign which clearly states this on the door of the Trowbridge branch.

“We apologise if this has been unclear or if the policy has been implemented inconsistently.”