Halifax in Sevenoaks is one of 48 bank branches set to close following an announcement from Lloyds Banking Group.

The group blamed the closure of 41 Lloyds Bank and seven Halifax branches on declining visits by customers, but the Unite union said the move would deny thousands of customers access to vital services and cash, and could lead to 178 job losses.

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.

“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.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called the closures "a complete betrayal of the communities and staff who have long supported this highly profitable business," adding: “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.”

Unite said it believes the banking industry should have a legal commitment to protect access to cash and bank branches, and said the announcement will cut the number of Lloyds Banking Group branches to 1,475.

Lloyds has not made any compulsory redundancies as a result of a branch closures, aiming to make voluntary redundancies or offer alternate roles.

Head to our business page for all the latest news about business in Kent

Read more: all the latest news from Sevenoaks