Maldon's MP has confirmed a new banking hub will be established in the town after Santander announced nationwide closures last week.

Sir John Whittingdale has reassured that there will be a new banking hub to replace the loss of Maldon's final bank following a conversation with Thea Watts, Regional Manager of CashAccess UK.

He said: "I am obviously sad that with the loss of Santander, no bank or building society will have its own branch in Maldon.

"However, the new banking hub will mean that customers of all the major banks should be able to access services from their bank on a weekly basis in Maldon.

"CashAccess UK is now actively seeking premises and I hope that the hub will be established within the year."

Santander will remain open until the new banking hub is established.

CashAccess UK is now looking for possible premises to house the hub, preferably in a High Street location.

Once up and running, cash deposits and withdrawals will be administered by the Post Office, and it is hoped that all major banks will offer advice services on a walk-in basis from the hub.

A similar banking hub is also to be established in Billericay following the announcement of the closure of the Santander Branch there.

Maldon is one of 95 Santander banks which will close this Summer.