The Lloyds Bank branch in Maldon will shut down next year, as the company plans to stop operations at numerous locations aroud the UK.

In total 48 branches will close under the Lloyds Banking Group, with 41 being from Lloyds bank and seven from Halifax.

It could lead to 178 job losses and various communities could be left without access to vital services and cash.

Read more: Lloyds Bank and Halifax announce 48 UK branch closures - the full list

The announcement will cut the number of Lloyds Banking Group branches to 1,475, with the Maldon branch closing in February 2022.

Vim Maru, retail director for Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Like many other businesses, we’ve seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years, and this decline is continuing.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: The Lloyds Banking Group will close 48 of its branches (Nick Ansell/PA)The Lloyds Banking Group will close 48 of its branches (Nick Ansell/PA)

“Our branches remain a fundamental part of how we serve our customers but we need to ensure the size of our branch network reflects the number of customers wanting to use them.”

The decision from the Banking Group saw criticsim come in from the Unite union.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The announcement by Lloyds Banking Group of closing a further 48 bank branches is a complete betrayal of the communities and staff who have long supported this highly profitable business.

“This sector needs to start taking their corporate social responsibilities seriously and stop neglecting their obligations to their customers and workforce.

“Banks are leaving people behind in the rush to close bank branches and force consumers to go cashless to boost their mega-profits. It’s a classic example of putting profits before people.”

When will the Maldon Lloyds Bank branch shut?

The Maldon branch will close on February 15, 2022.