HSBC will close three branches in Kent after deciding they no longer generate enough customers.

Account holders who use the bank in Cattle Market, Sandwich, will now be moved to the Canterbury branch, 13 miles away.

Branches in Broadstairs and Cliftonville will also close on Friday, May 27 at 3pm.

Customers banking at those two branches will be transferred to Westwood Cross.

MP Craig Mackinlay, who had taken on a private campaign to fight the decision to close the Sandwich branch, expressed his disappointment.

He said: “I accept the business of banking is changing but I had hoped that HSBC might reconsider this decision.

“I accept the business of banking is changing but I had hoped that HSBC might reconsider this decision..." - Craig Mackinlay MP

"The Sandwich branch occupies a historic building close to the Guildhall, the future use of which I will monitor carefully.”

Last Tuesday, the bank’s plans were discussed at length between Mr Mackinlay and deputy-director of HSBC for the Southern region Adrian Keane-Munday, in advance of the official announcement.

During the lengthy call, Mr Mackinlay raised the long distances customers could be forced to travel as a result of the closures.

HSBC have since confirmed in a letter to him that no staff would face compulsory redundancy as a consequence of this decision.

The bank also offered to provide freepost envelopes to affected customers to allow them to continue to cash cheques locally and customers will benefit from seven day opening and extended hours at the Westwood Cross branch.

Many over-the-counter services can now be transacted at Post Office branches.

Mr Mackinlay said: “While I remain hugely disappointed about this decision – especially given my private campaign - I am pleased that my pleas for pre-paid envelopes and no compulsory redundancies have been heard.

“Any customers who have concerns or complaints can contact my office who’ll raise their comments with HSBC’s senior management directly."