Braintree Santander to be 'counter-free' for four months

The site, in Bank Street, is part of a new company trial, lasting from July to October.

After a “detailed assessment” of recent transaction types and volumes, Santander has chosen five locations across the country, including the Braintree branch, for their ‘test and learn’ initiative

The others areas are Bromsgrove, Edgware, Stirling, and Streatham - with all five being within 0.3 miles of a Post Office.

Santander said the vast majority of transactions – 99 per cent of deposits and 98 per cent of withdrawals – continue to be done through either a counter-free branch or a local Post Office.

Santander also said there will be no impact on the roles of colleagues in these branches or their operating hours during this initiative – as well as there being no impact on Santander's other branches in their 444-branch network.

In response to questions about whether the temporary counter-free service would become permanent, a Santander spokesman said: “We have temporarily made our Braintree branch counter-free for four months while we carry out a ‘test and learn’ to help inform our thinking on branches and ensure they continue to meet our customers’ needs.

“In a counter-free branch, customers can continue to access face-to-face appointments, get support in using ATMs for deposits and withdrawals, as well as help using digital channels to complete their transactions, with colleagues on hand to support."

The spokesman added: “We remain committed to supporting our customers and responding to changes in the way customers want to access services.”

Consumer group Which? has revealed that over the last nine years, 6,005 bank branches have shut down across the UK with 200 more closures already scheduled for the rest of year.

Santander has announced no planned permanent branch closures for this year.