THE campaign to save a town’s last remaining bank has gathered momentum after an MP backed the community’s pleas to save it.

Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, says she has contacted Lloyds over its controversial plans to close its branch in London Road, Hadleigh, later this year.

Bank bosses say the proposed closure is due to a drop in usage and the continued rise of internet banking.

A petition calling on Lloyds to reverse the decision has now been signed by dozens of people in the community amid fears the closure will leave the elderly isolated.

Ms Harris has expressed her frustration at the plans and is backing the residents and businesses calling for them to be dropped.

She said: “This is very disappointing for many local customers.

"Although a lot of the day-to-day banking can be done at the post office in the nearby Asif’s Pharmacy, Lloyd’s should make sure that older customers who have more complex banking needs are catered for.

"I have written to the chief exec of Lloyd’s with my views and asking them to ensure all that all of their customers have been written to with details of how they can receive support over the phone if they need it."

Conservative councillor Jacqui Thornton, who represents St James’ ward, is now spearheading the campaign to save Hadleigh’s last bank.

She admits it would be a big blow for the town to lose the Lloyds branch but says planning is already underway in case the campaign is unsuccessful.

She said: “I have formally approached the council to explore setting up a banking hub similar to the successful pilot one opened in Rochford as this would be of great benefit to local residents, as well as Lloyd’s customers.

“I am also expressing my concerns with Lloyds and have requested at the very least they provide the residents with a regular visiting mobile banking service and having similar conversations with Essex County Council about the feasibility of hosting this in the library.”