THE move to close a bank in Halstead has attracted backlash from residents.

The Lloyds Banking Group announced on Wednesday it was going to close down 44 of its branches across the country.

The bank said the move was a reaction to more people shifting to using online banking features.

They added that customers were carrying out “significantly” fewer transactions at these locations.

Included in the list of 44 branches was Halstead's Lloyds bank.

The bank, which is located on the High Street, is one of just two financial institutuion open in Halstead.

As a result, following the news reported by the gazette on Wednesday, many residents have criticised the move to close the bank.

It comes after the national union Unite labelled the decision a "bitter blow” to staff and customers.

They also accused the bank of “walking away” from local communities such as Halstead.

Much of the opposition from residents stems from a resistance to using online banking.

Commenting on the gazette's article, David Sugden said: "If I'd wanted an internet bank account I'd have opened an account with an internet bank.

"Once they've closed their branches why do Lloyds imagine we won't do the same with our accounts?

"There will be no reason to remain with Lloyds."

Mandy Underwood added: "Banked with Lloyd's for over 40 years.

"I left a couple of years ago as I got fed up being told I could do my transactions online or at the cash point and also because of mistakes made by cashier and the manager which caused us problems.

"When staff that had worked there for years started leaving things went down hill quickly."

However, some residents had sympathy for the bank.

Darren Mumford said: "Problem is your keeping a building and all the associated costs and staff plus their costs.

"For a few people that go in and send a few pounds to people and withdraw cash because they 'don't use online banking or machines' it's just not viable anymore."