HSBC has announced that it will be closing its branch in Billericay later this year, amid a slate of closures around the country.

In total 69 separate branches will be shutting, including the one in Billericay High Street in September.

It follows 82 HSBC branches closing last year and 27 the year before that in 2020.

HSBC claim that less than 50% of the bank’s customers now actively use its branch network, with the average footfall declining over 50% since 2017, faster than any point in the last decade.

Billericay's nearest HSBC branch after that will be located in either Brentwood or Basildon.

Echo: Billericay's HSBC bank branch will be shutting in September (PA)Billericay's HSBC bank branch will be shutting in September (PA)

Jackie Uhi, Head of HSBC UK’s Branch Network, said: “The way people bank is changing - something the pandemic has accelerated. Our branches continue to support people with their more complex banking needs, but the way we can do this has also evolved, with the addition of banking hubs, community pop ups and continued use of the Post Office network.

"Rather than a one-size fits all branch approach, it’s an approach built around the way different customers are choosing to bank in different areas.

“We know that the majority of our customers have a preference to do much of their day-to-day banking online or via mobile, so we’re removing locations where we have another branch nearby, and where there is a significant reduction in customers using face-to-face branch servicing.

"This will enable us to invest in locations where our customers are continuing to utilise the branch network, including updating technology and refurbishing branches," she added.