THE Corringham branch of Lloyds Bank, which is earmarked for closure, could stay open at least until a new Post Office is relocated in the town.

That was the good news coming out of a meeting between bank officials and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe.

The South Basildon & East Thurrock MP met Lloyds' public affairs manager for the East and South East, as well as the manager of the branch, to press constituents' concerns over its upcoming closure, scheduled for Monday, 21 August.

There are roughly 200 customers who regularly use the branch and Mr Metcalfe was told it had seen a 64% drop in personal transactions and a 69% drop in business transactions through the past five years. Furthermore, only 1% of its local customers use the branch, with most using online banking.

Lloyds said that it would speak to, or contact, every customer using the branch and help its most vulnerable customers with alternative arrangements.

Mr Metcalfe highlighted that the Post Office in Corringham was temporarily closed and so the closure of the branch would be another blow to the town.

He pressed the bank to keep the branch open until Post Office provisions are re-provided.

Lloyds confirmed that it recognised the challenges and said that if there are serious problems for customers, the branch will remain temporarily open until solutions are found.

Lloyds also added there will be no job losses as a result of the closure of the branch and its employees will be offered roles at other branches or in other parts of the business.

Lloyds Bank branches continue to operate in Basildon Town Square and Grays High Street.

Mr Metcalfe said: "Lloyds Bank has assured me that it is doing everything it can to ensure its customers are well supported before its Corringham branch closes.

"I am pleased the bank recognises the problems with local financial services and has agreed in principle to consider keeping the branch open temporarily until a new Postmaster is found and Post Office services are restored."