Ashby's branch of HSBC bank is one of 69 across the UK that will close later this year, it was announced today (Tuesday).

The Market Street-based bank is due to shut its doors on August 25, according to a list issued by HSBC.

The decision is another blow for Ashby's town centre, coming eight months after Santander announced it was closing its Market Street branch.

That unit is still vacant despite the bank moving out at the end of July last year.

It is understood that staff at the Ashby branch were informed of the closure today - around the same time the official announcement was made.

In a statement, HSBC confirmed it has taken the decision as part of its 'transformation' into how branches operate within individual communities.

Going forward, HSBC has pledged to offer more varied services for its customers outside of the traditional banking model.

However, the result of this will just under 70 branches close throughout the country.

And it is considered that which many vulnerable customers may still be reliant on them.

As part of HSBC's transformation, local areas will see more community pop-ups, new integrated self-service machines and further digital support for customers, which will be assisted by colleagues.

Furthermore, the bank will continue to use the Post Office network as part of its wider operations.

HSBC says the changes are part of its efforts to invest in its digital and mobile service, "reflecting the needs of customers."

Under 50 percent of the bank's customers now actively use its branch network, with the average footfall declining over 50 percent since 2017, according to the bank.

Jackie Uhi, head of HSBC UK's branch network, said the way people banked is changing and that has been accelerated by the pandemic.

She said: "We know that the majority of our customers have a preference to do much of their day-to-day banking online or via mobile, so we're removing locations where we have another branch nearby, and where there is a significant reduction in customers using face-to-face branch servicing.

"This will enable us to invest in locations where our customers are continuing to utilise the branch network, including updating technology and refurbishing branches."