Lloyds Banking Group has today [Wednesday 20 October] announced the closure of a further 48 bank branches, including Penarth.

The Lloyds Bank in Windsor Road, Penarth, will close on 9 February next year.

The group is blaming the decision on declining visits by customers.

Vim Maru, retail director for Lloyds Banking Group, said: "Like many other businesses, we've seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years, and this decline is continuing.

"Our branches remain a fundamental part of how we serve our customers but we need to ensure the size of our branch network reflects the number of customers wanting to use them."

The Unite Union estimate the closure, which would see 41 Lloyds Bank and seven Halifax branches shut down, could cause a possible 178 job losses.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary said: "The announcement by Lloyds Banking Group of closing a further 48 bank branches is a complete betrayal of the communities and staff who have long supported this highly profitable business.

"This sector needs to start taking their corporate social responsibilities seriously and stop neglecting their obligations to their customers and workforce. Banks are leaving people behind in the rush to close bank branches and force consumers to go cashless to boost their mega-profits. It's classic example of putting profits before people".