Two Essex bank branches are set to close this summer.

Natwest is closing its outlets on the Dovercourt and Brightlingsea High Streets on July 25.

The bank said the number of customers using the branches had dropped by nearly one-fifth over the past few years, with just 34 regular weekly customers at the Dovercourt branch.

Customers can still use their local Post Office to deposit cash and cheques, while those with basic accounts will have restrictions lifted on using cash machines, allowing them to use any bank’s ATM.

The closest branches will now be in Manningtree and Frinton for customers in Harwich and Dovercourt, and Clacton or Colchester for Brightlingsea customers.

A spokesman for Natwest said: “We’re investing £700m across the UK over the next three years to improve the way we serve our customers. This will include branch refurbishments, investment in digital banking and upgrading our ATM network.

“We’ve advised staff and we’re writing to our customers to make them aware of the closure and the different ways they can still bank with us.

“If customers are concerned about how this will impact their banking, they can go into the branch where staff will be happy to discuss the alternative options available.”