Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed the closure of 19 branches across the United Kingdom this February, a move that will affect customers in various towns and cities. The closures involve branches from three major brands under the group: Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland.
Full List of Branch Closures Announced
The closures are scheduled throughout the month, with specific dates provided for each location. This decision is part of a broader trend in the banking industry towards digital services and reduced physical presence.
Lloyds Bank Locations Closing
- Swindon – February 3
- Kendal – February 10
- Brecon – February 11
- Cranbrook – February 11
- Wadebridge – February 17
- Stow-on-the-Wold – February 17
- Brynmawr – February 17
- St Ives – February 24
- Chesham – February 24
- Liskeard – February 24
- Kenilworth – February 24
Halifax Branches Shutting Down
- Thetford – February 4
- Belfast (Castle Court) – February 4
- Kendal – February 10
- Belfast (Connswater Shopping Centre) – February 10
- Gillingham – February 11
Bank of Scotland Outlets Closing
- Thetford – February 4
- Belfast (Castle Court) – February 4
- Kendal – February 10
- Belfast (Connswater Shopping Centre) – February 10
- Gillingham – February 11
Banking Group Emphasises Alternative Options
A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group stated: “We’re providing more choice than ever before, bringing together the best in digital convenience with our people.” They highlighted that customers can continue to access services through various channels.
These alternatives include using any remaining Lloyds, Halifax, or Bank of Scotland branch, the Post Office network, or emerging banking hubs. Additionally, cash deposits can be made at over 30,000 PayPoint locations across the country.
Consumer Advocates Warn of Community Impact
Sam Richardson, the deputy editor of Which? Money, expressed concern about the closures. He remarked: “Bank branch closures have real impacts on local communities - especially on those customers who rely on in-person services and aren't yet ready or willing to make the switch to digital banking.”
Richardson noted that these latest closures serve as a reminder that physical branches remain under threat. He emphasised the growing importance of banking hubs in the future of financial services management.
However, he cautioned that not all banking hubs offer identical services, potentially forcing some customers to travel significant distances to access necessary banking facilities.
Calls for Government and Industry Collaboration
Given the essential nature of banking services to local communities, Richardson urged coordinated action. He suggested that the government and banking industry should work together to address service gaps.
The aim would be to ensure consumers can reliably use banking hubs for their needs. Richardson also proposed being prepared to increase the target of 350 open hubs by the end of the current parliament if necessary.
This wave of closures reflects the ongoing transformation within the UK banking sector, balancing digital advancement with maintaining accessible services for all customers.
