The HSBC branch in Rickmansworth is closing as part of the banking giant's plans to shut 62 across the UK.

HSBC said these would be the only cuts to its branch network in 2017. Its total number of UK branches will be 625.

Francesca McDonagh, HSBC head of retail banking and wealth management for UK and Europe, said: "The decision to close these branches ensures a more sustainable branch network for the future as we continue to invest in our digital platforms and our people."

The swingeing cuts to the branch network could trigger up to 180 job losses, but the bank said it would try and redeploy staff where possible.

HSBC has moved to scale back its branch network after seeing a rise in the number of customers using online banking.

It said 90 per cent of its interactions with customers now came through digital - an 80 per cent rise on last year - while the number of customers using HSBC branches has dropped by nearly 40 per cent in the past five years.

"The way our customers bank with us is changing," Ms McDonagh added.

"More customers are using mobile and internet banking than ever before, innovation such as Touch and Voice ID has proved extremely popular, and fewer people are using branches.

She said the bank would offer customers "individual sessions" to help them bank with HSBC outside of the branch.

"Our priority now is to work with our colleagues, our customers and the communities impacted by today's announcement.

"We are contacting customers to explain the decision and help them with alternative ways to bank with us."