COLCHESTER’S last remaining HSBC bank has temporarily closed - and it may not reopen for weeks.

The bank, in the city’s High Street, closed on Wednesday and will remain shut until March 1, according to a notice placed in the branch’s window.

The closure has come into force so essential maintenance works can be carried out.

A HSBC UK spokesman said: “We continue to invest in our branch network to make our customers’ experience banking with us a good one.

"We are pleased our Colchester branch is getting a refresh, with some painting, new signage and the installation of new state-of-the-art cash machines, which we are excited about."

While the closure is in place, there will be a pop-up bank at Colchester Library, in Trinity Square, which can support customers from February 9 to February 26, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

These will be open from 9am until 4pm. 

Alternatively, customers can use remote banking with HSBC banking app, by visiting hsbc.co.uk website or calling 03457 404 404. Business customers can call 03457 60 60 60. 

The temporary closure comes after HSBC’s North Station Road branch shut for good back 2021.

Since then plans to turn the abandoned Midland House into flats has been approved by council bosses. 

The first and second floor of the deserted three-storey office will be turned into 17 flats comprising of a bathroom and an open-plan sleeping, living and dining area.

The HSBC spokesman added: “We have been talking to customers about the temporary closure, and while we are having the work done people can continue to use their nearest Post Office for day-to-day transactions.

"Plus mobile and online banking is available 24/7 in addition to being able to call our contact centre.

"Customers can find the best number on the back of their debit or credit card."