HYTHE is to lose its branch of Lloyds after the banking group announced plans to shut 48 sites.

The branch at the Marsh will close on February 7 next year, with the bank blaming declining customer visits.

But the Unite union said the closure of 41 Lloyds Bank and seven Halifax branches would deny thousands of customers access to vital services and cash, and could lead to 178 job losses.

Vim Maru, retail director for Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Like many other businesses, we’ve seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years, and this decline is continuing.

“Our branches remain a fundamental part of how we serve our customers but we need to ensure the size of our branch network reflects the number of customers wanting to use them.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The announcement by Lloyds Banking Group of closing a further 48 bank branches is a complete betrayal of the communities and staff who have long supported this highly profitable business.

“This sector needs to start taking their corporate social responsibilities seriously and stop neglecting their obligations to their customers and workforce.

“Banks are leaving people behind in the rush to close bank branches and force consumers to go cashless to boost their mega-profits. It’s a classic example of putting profits before people.”

Unite said it believes the banking industry should have a legal commitment to protect access to cash and bank branches.

The announcement will cut the number of Lloyds Banking Group branches to 1,475, the union added.