In a significant blow to the British high street, Lloyds Banking Group has unveiled plans to shutter 21 bank branches across England and Wales in the first wave of closures for 2025.
The sweeping changes will see 10 Lloyds Bank branches, 8 Halifax branches, and 3 Bank of Scotland locations permanently close their doors between January and March next year, continuing the trend of digital transition in the banking sector.
Full List of Affected Branches
The locations scheduled for closure include:
- Lloyds Bank: Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Bicester, Billericay, Bromborough, Droitwich, Hunstanton, Palmers Green, Southgate, St Ives, Stowmarket
- Halifax: Alfreton, Bebington, Colwyn Bay, Horley, Maghull, Northallerton, Ruislip, Stroud
- Bank of Scotland: Bearsden, Edinburgh Morningside, Edinburgh Stockbridge
Digital Banking Transition Accelerates
A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson explained the decision, stating: "As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to some branches have fallen sharply. We'll continue to invest in branches that are being used regularly, alongside our online, mobile and telephone services."
The move reflects the ongoing transformation within the banking industry, with traditional brick-and-mortar branches seeing declining foot traffic as customers increasingly embrace digital alternatives.
Community Impact and Alternative Services
For customers affected by the closures, the banking group emphasised that alternative banking arrangements would be available through the Post Office network, alongside continued investment in digital banking platforms.
This announcement follows previous closure rounds and signals the accelerating pace of change in how Britons manage their finances, raising concerns about access to banking services particularly for elderly and vulnerable customers in affected communities.
