Initial plans will see 26 of these banking facilities closed, but it has been reported that the bank could shut over 300 counters in the UK by next year, as a spokesman for the bank admitted it was “reviewing” what would happen to the remaining counters.

The counters are not considered Halifax branches, as they are run by estate agencies, financial advisers and solicitors and the move would not result in any job losses.

Lloyds Banking Group insisted that the closures would not affect the businesses where the counters are based, and they would remain open and trading as normal.

However, critics have argued that the counter closures will have a hugely negative impact on communities in rural areas.

The Campaign for Community Banking Services (CCBS) said that rural communities faced a “declining spiral” and the absence of banking facilities in local high streets would have a detrimental effect on surrounding businesses.

Closures will begin this week, a Lloyds Banking Group spokesman confirmed.