Maldon is one of 95 Santander banks which will close nationwide, with a new replacement banking hub recommended.

Maldon's Santander on High Street will close this summer, with no specific date yet announced. This is the last bank or building society to close in the town. 

This is despite reassurances in November last year that there were "no planned closures" of the branch.

In response, 19 new banking hubs have been recommended by cash access network Link - three of which are ear-marked for Essex, including one in Maldon.

Maldon MP, Sir John Whittingdale said: "I am very disappointed to learn of the decision by Santander UK to close the branch in Maldon.

"I can fully understand the concern of my constituents that this will mean that Maldon no longer has any bank or building society branches.

"I very much welcome the conclusion that there needs to be a banking hub in the town with an ATM providing cash deposit and withdrawal services.

"I am pleased that Santander have confirmed that the branch will not close until this is in place."

A banking hub consolidates multiple banking providers in one branch.

It offers face-to-face banking services and a counter service as a regular bank would. 

He added: "I will be meeting shortly with the Regional Manager for Cash Access UK who will now be responsible for establishing the Banking Hub to discuss the services needed and how best to provide these."

Santander has promised to support the changes, and say they will be contacting all "potentially vulnerable" customers by phone and will assist those customers of closing branches.