Another bank is set to close its doors in Welling as Lloyds announce branch closures.

The bank announced a string of high street closures in a bid to drive costs down.

Welling is one of 96 in line to shut, with a closing date pencilled in as November 11.

Welling councillor and deputy leader of Bexley Council said he is “disappointed” at the news.

The council recently signed off on a high street strategy in a bid to boost the borough’s shopping districts.

Cllr French said: “We are naturally disappointed to hear the news that another bank will shortly be closing in Welling.

“Following closure the nearest branch for local Lloyds customers will be in Bexleyheath and we hope that a new business will move into the soon to be vacant unit as soon as possible”.

Lloyds said: “Our customers’ needs are changing. Nearly 16 million people now bank with us through Internet Banking and almost 11 million use Mobile Banking. Branches will remain vital in meeting customers’ needs but we must continually review our network to make sure we have branches in locations where customers need and use them the most.

“As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to close this branch due to customers using it less often.

“In addition, the majority of customers are also using alternative ways to bank and we have another branch close by.”

At a meeting last month, cabinet members signed off on adopting the strategy, which will see the authority support smaller, independent businesses, improve shop fronts and high streets and expand on what makes each town “unique”.

The towns earmarked for improvements are Sidcup and Erith, with more focus going on the stretch from Welling through Bexleyheath and Crayford.

The Town Centres Strategy is hoped to combat “unprecedented pressures” on high streets, with household names shutting up shop and leaving voids in Bexley.