Lloyds Bank and Halifax are set to close 26 physical branches during October, as more customers use online and digital banking services. The closures form part of ongoing changes to the group’s network of branches, which also includes Bank of Scotland.
The first closure will take place at the Lloyds branch on Yorkshire Street in Rochdale on October 1, with further closures scheduled throughout the month. According to Lloyds Banking Group, decisions about branch changes are made after considering how customers continue to access banking services.
Lloyds Branches Make Up Most of October Closures
Lloyds Bank accounts for the majority of the planned closures, with 23 branches scheduled to shut during October. The affected locations are spread across England and Wales, including Barnsley, Birmingham Harborne, Blackpool, Bristol Knowle, Chatham, Chesterfield and Southampton Totton.
The timetable begins with Rochdale on October 1 and continues with branches closing on various dates until October 29. Other Lloyds locations affected include Camborne, Chepstow, Deal, Devizes, Gateshead, Gorseinon, Llandudno, Nottingham Arnold, Rotherham, Ryde, South Shields, St Helens, Stamford and Widnes.
According to the information published by the Express, the closures reflect the wider shift towards digital banking, with customers increasingly choosing online services and mobile applications for everyday banking tasks.
Lloyds Banking Group said that customers still have several alternative ways to access its services after branches close. A Lloyds spokesperson previously told MoneyWeek that customers can use options including Community Bankers, Post Office services, PayPoint locations, banking apps and a 24-hour messaging service. Customers with Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland accounts can also use branches operated by the three brands for everyday banking services, according to the group.
Halifax Branches Included in Wider Network Changes
Three Halifax branches are scheduled to close in October. The affected locations are Buxton in Spring Gardens, which will close on October 13, Camborne at 31 Trelowarren Street on October 7, and Leamington Spa on October 20.
The Halifax closures are part of the same branch network adjustments being carried out by Lloyds Banking Group. The group said that customer behaviour continues to change as more people choose digital methods of managing their finances.
According to Lloyds Banking Group, changes to its branch network are considered alongside the impact on customers and the ways they can continue accessing banking services. The company has not suggested that all customers will use the same banking options, but it has highlighted the range of alternatives available alongside remaining branches.
The October closures follow previous announcements from the group about changes to its physical branch presence. The latest schedule means customers in the affected areas will need to use alternative locations or digital services once their local branch closes.
The full list of October closures includes Lloyds branches in Rochdale, Barnsley, Birmingham Harborne, Blackpool, Braintree, Bristol Knowle, Camborne, Chatham, Chepstow, Chesterfield, Deal, Devizes, Gateshead, Gorseinon, Llandudno, Nottingham Arnold, Rotherham, Ryde, Southampton Totton, South Shields, St Helens, Stamford and Widnes, alongside Halifax branches in Buxton, Camborne and Leamington Spa.
