Elm Park will be robbed of its last bank next year when Lloyds closes down – months after telling prospective customers it wouldn’t.

The branch in The Broadway will cash its last cheque on April 13 and customers will have to travel to Hornchurch to do any banking in person.

But customers are not happy because some only joined Lloyds on the promise it would stay open when Natwest closed down this year.

Cllr Stephanie Nunn said: “It’s such a shame for residents and businesses.”

A spokesman for the bank said counters are 11 per cent quieter than a year ago and only 23 people use it regularly.

He said: “We have made the difficult decision to close because customers are using this branch less and the lease on the building is due to expire.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and have informed customers of the closest alternative branch just over a mile away.”

The bank say they have taken into consideration the nearby post office, where customers can check their balance, withdraw cash and make deposits, as well as public transport availability.