Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy noticeSantander has announced that it is shutting 44 of its UK bank branches as part of a move to shift customers towards its digital services. The high street lender said the latest cuts will leave it with 244 full branches. It will also operate 19 counter-free branches, 36 reduced-hour branches, six work cafes and 111 Santander Locals. A spokeswoman for Santander said: “In response to a continuing and sizeable shift towards customers using digital banking, we are making changes to our branches to better support our customers.