A HIGH-street bank has closed its doors forever after customers switched to digital banking instead.

Lloyds bank shut down its Headington branch earlier this week after an 'in depth review' which concluded that the branch was no longer needed.

It comes after the chain announced that more than 14 million people were banking through their phones and computers instead of face-to-face services.

A councillor for Headington, Roz Smith, explained that it was a 'sign of the times'.

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She explained that the closure was sad, but also a good opportunity for another business to move in and add to Headington's thriving 'diversity'.

Ms Smith said: "It will be such a loss, particularly to those who haven't switched to online.

"It's a sign of the times and it's very sad, it's one of the oldest banks.

"It is always a shame when something big moves out, but it's an exciting opportunity as it's in the centre of the Headington shopping district."

The councillor added: "Personally, I would love to see a shoe shop or a clothing shop. A lot of people like to shop online, but there's nothing better than trying them online before you buy.

"We don't need another coffee shop. We have got a good choice and nice selection and we have a lot of independents – there's a gym opening as well.

"I am happy that there is diversity in Headington, that's one of the good things about Headington, a lot of places don't have diversity.

"But what keeps Headington so vibrant is the local people who are supporting branches and independent shops."

A bank spokesperson said: "We have made the difficult decision to close the Lloyds Bank Headington branch on September 16, due to the changing ways customers choose to bank with us, which has resulted in the branch being used less often."

In May the group said the customers 'needs' were changing and announced the shock closure.

A spokesperson also explained that the branches were 11 per cent quieter than this time a year ago, and estimate that 435 people use the bank on a regular monthly basis.

Counter transactions for both personal and business customers were down and the use of the self service zone machines were up.

Nearly 80 per cent of those who use the bank were found to have used other ways of banking.

It added: “We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

“Customers can continue to access their banking locally by visiting the nearby Post Office, which is less than half a mile away from the branch.

"The nearest alternative branch is Carfax Oxford.”

Ms Smith added: "It's an exciting opportunity."