A bank is planning to close two north London branches because "the world is becoming more digital".

Halifax plans to close its branch in Swiss Cottage on September 20 and its Muswell Hill branch on November 15.

It closed its Crouch End branch in April due to a fall in customers.

In a statement the bank said: "The world is becoming more digital than ever before and more of our customers are doing their everyday banking online.

"With more customers choosing to use digital ways to bank and manage their money, visits at this branch have fallen. As a result, we've made the difficult decision to close it."

The banks, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm, have cash machines inside and outside the branch, self service zones, a talking cash machine and ramp access for disabled customers and people with pushchairs.

According to Halifax, only 121 of its customers used the Muswell Hill branch "regularly" in the 12 months to March 2023 and only 49 in Swiss Cottage.

The bank, which has its roots as a building society, said it's "still here to support you", telling customers they can bank online, on their mobile, on the phone, or at the Post Office.

The nearest Halifax branches for those affected are in Wood Green and North Finchley, Kilburn and Camden High Street. 

Catherine West, MP for Horney and Wood Green, has launched a petition in a bid to stop the closure.

She said: “This news is yet another blow for our high street and for customers, especially older and disabled people, who value face-to-face banking services. 

"It’s not good enough for banks making record profits just to ignore their social responsibility, push customers online and make it ever harder to speak to a human being."

To sign the petition visit: Sign my petition: Save Halifax in Muswell Hill and defend face-to-face banking

Muswell Hill customers have lost several banks in recent years.

Barclay's Bank closed in March 2022 four months after Lloyd's Bank shut its doors in October 2021.

Neighbouring ward Crouch End has seen four banks and building societies close.

Halifax closed in April this year, Nat West closed in 2021 and Santander and Nationwide in 2019..

Labour's Ms West added: "For years now I’ve been urging the Government to protect essential in-person banking services and it’s bitterly disappointing that they’ve failed to act. 

"When Parliament returns, I’ll be presenting my latest petition to oppose this endless stream of bank branch closures.”