CAMPAIGNING residents have collected more than 1,500 signatures on a petition in their battle to stop a "crucial" bank closing down.

Stephen Metcalfe, Tory MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, met with fed-up residents outside Lloyds Bank after the banking giant announced it was closing its Corringham branch.

A group of campaigners opposing the bank's closure, which is scheduled for next month, on August 21, managed to gather an impressive total of 1,675 signatures.Echo: Concerned - Stephen received the petition and reaffirmed his commitment to finding a solution for the local areaConcerned - Stephen received the petition and reaffirmed his commitment to finding a solution for the local area (Image: Stephen Metcalfe office)

The petition emphasises the importance of considering the repercussions for businesses, traders, and especially the elderly, who heavily rely on traditional in-person banking services.

Read more:

This closure comes in the wake of last year's shutdown of Barclays, leaving Corringham with limited banking options.

Moreover, Corringham's sole Post Office is currently closed, further compounding the issue.

Mr Metcalfe personally received the petition from the campaigners and stated his commitment to finding a viable solution for the community.Echo: Signatures - the town is currently experiencing the closure of its sole Post Office, further compounding the issueSignatures - the town is currently experiencing the closure of its sole Post Office, further compounding the issue (Image: Stephen Metcalfe office)

He said: "I think that it is a perfectly reasonable demand that a community has the ability to access in-person postal and banking services.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

"I agree with the local petitioners that the withdrawal of these services often impacts the elderly and vulnerable the most.

"We must find a solution – I will, therefore, be meeting Lloyds again later this month to present the petition and ask them to reconsider their decision."

A spokesman from Lloyds Bank said: "As many customers now choose to bank online or through their mobile app, visits to our Corringham branch have fallen over recent years. 

"When the branch closes in August, customers can continue to bank with us online, in person at our Basildon branch, or at the local Post Office on London Road."