Santander in Surbiton will close permanently in August as part of the company's national move to online banking.

Customers will instead have to visit the Kingston Santander to make in-person transactions.

The Kingston branch is 1.3 miles from the Surbiton one, equivalent to an eight minute car journey or a half an hour walk.

The bank announced today that it is closing 111 of its branches across the UK.

Other Santanders set to be axed include New Malden, Twickenham, and Putney.

The company said it plans on keeping approximately 5,000 staff based at "closing or consolidating sites."

London office space is also set to be reduced as the bank moves to more flexible working arrangements.

Nathan Bostock, Santander UK CEO, said: "The pandemic has accelerated the existing trend towards greater flexible working, and our colleagues have told us this has brought significant benefits for many of them.

"At the same time, physical spaces remain very important and our sites around the UK will provide our colleagues with first-class facilities fit for the future."

A petition has been started to save the Surbiton, New Malden, Twickenham and Putney branches.

It was set up by James Giles who wrote: "Elderly and less able people who cannot use the internet depend upon the bank for their daily banking needs.

"Some of these elderly people have spoken to me of their distress at the prospect of losing the bank, as well as the friendly staff who give a patient and helpful service."

More information on the petition is available here