A HIGH street bank is to close its doors after bosses said they have seen a drop in customers using the branch over the past two years.

In a report published on Friday, Barclays revealed its Maldon branch in High Street will close on August 5.

After the closure, the nearest Barclays branches will be in South Woodham Ferrers and Chelmsford.

The bank will be the third to close its Maldon High Street branch in the past year.

HSBC shut its branch in the town in July 2021 and Lloyds closed its doors in February this year.

Read more >>> 'It'll have a detrimental impact' - disappointment as high street bank to close

Barclays says its Maldon counter transactions have gone down in the two years to March 2020, when the pandemic broke out.

Additionally, 82 per cent of the branch customers use other ways to do their banking such as online and by telephone. This has increased by 13 per cent since 2015.

In the past 12 months, 41 per cent of the branch customers have been using nearby branches, with just 107 customers using the Maldon branch exclusively for their banking.

Penny Channer, leader of Maldon District Council, said: “It is disappointing to see Barclays bank leaving Maldon High Street.

“Not only for their customers, but also for those employees who have served the community so well over the years.

“The branch in Burnham-on-Crouch remains available to residents along with their services through the Post Office or online.

Read more >>> High street bank set to close as it sees drop in customers using the branch

“Maldon High Street remains served by other banks and we are fortunate our bustling historic high street has not suffered high levels of vacancies like many other towns, thanks in large part to our great number of independent and enterprising small business owners.”

In a booklet available from the Maldon branch prior to its closing, the bank will share concerns and feedback from the community.

A Barclays spokesman said: “The decision to close a branch is never an easy one. However, customers are increasingly using alternatives to branches to do their banking.

“As a result, we are seeing a sustained fall in branch visits across the UK. We will work with our customers and provide alternative options to ensure they can continue to manage their money and receive financial expertise when required.”