A bank branch in the heart of Hendon is cashing in and calling time as the number of people physically going to banks drops dramatically.

HSBC’s Hendon central brank in Hendon Way will close its doors on March 3 next year.

Its closure is down to a 40 per cent reduction in the number of people coming through its doors for face-to-face banking services over the past five years.

An unnamed HSBC spokesperson 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.

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

“Most of our customers are already carrying out their daily banking needs without need of the branch itself.

“We will be working closely with our customers in the coming weeks to ensure they are fully aware of all the measures in place to support them.”

The bank revealed 93 per cent of its contact with customers is done over the phone or via the internet and 97 per cent of cash withdrawals are done by using ATM cash machines.

A partnership between HSBC and the local post office in Hendon central will be established to provide some services to local customers.

Regular users of the branch have been informed of the closure by post and are advised to use the branch in Golders Green Road, Golders Green as an alternative.

One-to-one sessions will be set up with uncertain customers showing them how to use online and mobile banking in place of their branch.