Q: Why did the Wells Fargo on West Third Street drive-through close?

The Wells Fargo bank’s drive-through, located at the corner of North Street and West Third Street, closed on Feb. 22.

According to a sign on the drive-through window, the bank is redirecting its customers to use the Wells Fargo walk-in location on Main Street in downtown Farmville.

According to Kristy Marshall, a Wells Fargo spokeswoman, the closure was based on observed trends and customer behavior.

“We continuously evaluate our branch network, and our physical distribution strategy is driven by customer behavior, market factors, economic trends and competitor actions,” Marshall said.

Marshall said there will be no employee impact caused by the decision to close the drive-through and customers could still access the walk-up ATM in front of the branch’s Main Street location.

Marshall said the company regularly adjusts its retail distribution network to determine what best fits long-term needs to best serve the customers.

Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joy Stump said while she didn’t have any information about the closure, she was disappointed.

“I’m always disappointed when I hear of businesses closing operations in our town,” Stump said. “We, of course, love to see businesses thriving and adding services for their customers — not taking them away.”

Farmville Town Manager Gerald Spates said he felt the closure would affect Farmville residents.

“Losing a facility of this nature is going to affect Wells Fargo customers and our residents, but it is a business decision that I am sure was made after great consideration on their part,” Spates said.

According to Wells Fargo’s website, the firm has more than 6,000 retail banking stores and 13,000 ATM locations nationwide.

She said it was not uncommon for a Wells Fargo to not have a drive-through attached.