Halstead is losing its third bank in recent years.

NatWest will be closing the High Street branch on March 17 because transactions have dropped by 15 per cent in the last few years.

A spokesman said transactions across its whole branch network have dropped by a third since 2010 because more people do online and mobile banking.

The number of people using this type of banking has risen by more than 200 per cent.

NatWest's spokesman said: "We are leaving the ATM behind so customers can still get access to their cash.

"There are also five free-to-use ATMs within one mile. We’ve also lifted the restrictions for all of our basic bank accounts holders so they can use any Link ATM."

Customers will also be able to withdraw cash, make deposits and check balances at the Post Office in WHSmith.