THE Swanage branch of HSBC will close in February, it has been announced.

Customers have already been written to by the bank, to advise them of local alternatives and to help them set up mobile or internet banking.

A HSBC spokesman said: “We continually review our branch network to make sure our branches are in the right locations for our customers and we have a sustainable network for the future.

“Over the past five years, we have seen footfall reduce by an average of 40 per cent at our regional branches and sometimes we have to make the difficult decision to close branches.

“These are not decisions we take lightly and we work closely with those impacted, including customers, to help them understand their options.”

The nearest branch for customers, once the Swanage bank shuts on February 10, will be at Poole.

Meanwhile, the spokesman added: “In addition to mobile and internet banking, we have put in place a number of measures to help customers, including a partnership with the Post Office, which is just a short walk from HSBC and open Monday - Friday, 9am-5.30pm, and Saturday, 9am-5pm, so our customers can still carry out their day to day banking.”