- Ryan Merrifield
In association with
EIGHT bank branches shut their doors in the UK today, taking the total beyond 6,000 in the past nine years.
Consumer group Which? said the milestone highlights the impact this "avalanche" of closures has had on high streets and the need to provide replacement services for millions.
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Which? said that eight Barclays branches were shutting their doors on Friday, taking the total by the end of the day to 6,005.
This equated to over 60% of the bank branch network since Which? began tracking closures in 2015.
The eight Barclays closures relate to branches in:
- Alperton in Wembley, London;
- Andover in Hampshire;
- Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland;
- Bracknell in Berkshire;
- Hornchurch in Essex;
- Inverness in the Highlands in Scotland;
- Liverpool;
- Streatham in London.
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Barclays has closed 1,216 branches, according to Which?.
NatWest Group, which comprises NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has closed 1,360 branches and Lloyds Banking Group, made up of Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, has shut 1,146 sites, the consumer group said.
Which? said 200 closures by various banks are already scheduled for the rest of 2024.
Currently, 24 more bank branch closures have been scheduled for 2025, although more are expected to be announced later this year and next, it added.
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While millions of consumers have made the switch to banking digitally, there remains a significant number of people who are not yet ready or willing to make that jump, underscoring the need for accessible alternatives, Which? said.
There are various initiatives to help plug gaps in the cash access network, as bank branches close.
TSB to close another 36 bank branches and axe 250 jobs – full list of locations affected
The 50th banking hub was recently opened.
Banking hubs allow banks to share facilities.
They have a counter service operated by the Post Office, allowing customers to conduct routine banking transactions.
The Post Office also recently reported that cash transactions at its branches totalled a record £3.48 billion in April. The Post Office has an agreement with many banks, allowing their customers to carry out everyday banking over its counters.
With a general election looming, Which? said it believes that the next government should commit to delivering at least 200 shared banking hubs in the first two years following the election.
It added that as bank branch closures are likely to continue in the coming years, any target may need to be revised upwards to keep pace.
Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which? Money, said: "This milestone of more than 6,000 bank branch closures in just nine years underscores the seismic shift that has taken place in terms of our banking habits and the character of the British high street.
"While some may hardly notice the closure of their local branch as they seamlessly switch to online banking, for others reliant on face-to-face services, the impact can be disastrous.
"It's not about halting closures altogether, but ensuring that essential banking services remain accessible to those who still rely on them."
A Barclays spokesperson said: "As visits to branches continue to fall, we need to adapt to provide the best service for all our customers.
"Where levels of demand don't support a branch, we maintain an in-person presence though our Barclays Local network, live in over 350 locations, based in libraries, town halls, mobile vans and our banking pods.
"We also support access to cash with our cashback-without-purchase service, 24-hour deposit-taking ATMs and by working alongside the Post Office and Cash Access UK."
A spokesperson for trade association UK Finance said: "An ever-increasing number of people are using telephone, mobile and internet banking and fewer people are visiting bank branches on a regular basis. Balancing this change in the way we bank means firms have to make difficult decisions about maintaining their branches.
"The industry has invested heavily in alternative services, including thousands of post offices where people can do a lot of their day-to-day banking.
"Alongside this, the industry is working to roll out shared banking hubs to bring together different firms to support their customers.
"There is also significant ongoing investment to ensure access to cash, including free ATMs and cashback without purchase.
"If you are concerned about your local bank branch closing, please contact them and they will help you find the best alternative for your needs."
Stephen Noakes, retail director at Nationwide said: "Which? has helpfully put the spotlight on branches.
"Our research shows nearly three-quarters of consumers of all ages are concerned about the rate of closures, with half of 16 to 24 (year-olds) left frustrated after finding their local branch closed.
"Branches are valued for everyday banking but also for important moments like scam worries and transferring a large amount of money.
"That's why we have promised that everywhere we have a branch today we will remain until at least 2028."
Which bank branches have already closed in 2024?
HUNDREDS of bank branches have been forecast for closure this year, with more than 100 shutting already this year.
January
- Lloyds, 22 Grover Walk, Corringham, England - 15/01/2024
- Lloyds, 612-614 Wolseley Road, Plymouth, England - 10/01/2024
- Lloyds, 11/12 The Shopping Village, Gateshead, England - 09/01/2024
- Lloyds, 453 Wilmslow Road, Withington, England - 08/01/2024
- Halifax, 7 Station Plaza, Ilkley, England - 15/01/2024
- Halifax, 4 Central Arcade, Cleckheaton, England - 31/01/2024
- Halifax, 178/180 High Street, Gosforth, England - 08/01/2024
- Halifax, 374 Harrogate Road, Leeds, England - 09/01/2024
- Halifax, 56/57 High Street, Stourbridge, England - 10/01/2024
- Halifax, 52 - 54 Union Street, Aberdeen, Scotland - 11/01/2024
- BoS, 816 Govan Road, Govan, Scotland - 09/01/2024
- BoS, Brodick, Isle of Arran, Scotland - 31/01/2024
February
- Lloyds 13-14 High Street, Cradley Heath, England - 08/02/2024
- Lloyds 9 Boverton Road, Llantwit Major, Wales - 08/02/2024
- Lloyds Crown Glass Place, Nailsea, England - 01/02/2024
- Lloyds 308-312 Chiswick High Road, London, England - 19/02/2024
- Halifax 43/45 Sheep Street, Bicester, England - 07/02/2024
- Halifax 13 Market Jew Street, Penzance, England - 20/02/2024
- Halifax 131-133 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland - 26/02/2024
- Halifax 35-41 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, Scotland - 05/02/2024
- BoS Main Street, Tarbert, Isle Of Harris, Scotland - 22/02/2024
- BoS Lochmaddy, Isle Of North Uist, Scotland - 26/02/2024
- BoS 42 Stuart Street, Millport, Scotland - 20/02/2024
- NatWest 1 Water Lane, Bakewell, England - 22/02/2024
- NatWest 314 Chiswick High Road, London, England - 20/02/2024
- NatWest 151 New Line, Bradford, England - 21/02/2024
- NatWest 2 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, England - 22/02/2024
- NatWest 262 Marine Road Central, Morecambe, England - 28/02/2024
- NatWest 34 Moor Street, Ormskirk, England - 27/02/2024
- NatWest 1 Taff Street, Pontypridd, Wales - 29/02/2024
- NatWest 5 High Street East, Redcar, England - 20/02/2024
- NatWest 159 High Street, Rickmansworth, England - 29/02/2024
- NatWest 10 Victoria Road, Surbiton, England - 21/02/2024
- NatWest 10 High Street, Wednesfield, England - 28/02/2024
- NatWest 12 Station Parade, London, England - 27/02/2024
- Barclays
- Barclays 1 High Street, Westbury-on-Trym, England - 16/02/2024
- Barclays 16 Vaughan Street, Llanelli, Wales - 22/02/2024
- Barclays 43 High Street Sheringham, England - 21/02/2024
- Barclays 34 Market Place, Dereham, England - 15/02/2024
- Barclays 130 George Lane, South Woodford, England - 23/02/2024
- Barclays 32 Hill Street, Newry, Northern Ireland - 16/02/2024
- Barclays 27/29 Church Street, Coleraine, Northern Ireland - 23/02/2024
- Barclays 22/24 Hide Hill , Berwick-Upon-Tweed, England - 14/02/2024
- Barclays 2 Holly Parade, 20 High Street, Cobham, England - 14/02/2024
- Barclays 22 The Borough, Farnham, England - 21/02/2024
- Barclays 131 Eltham High Street, Eltham, England - 16/02/2024
- Barclays 2 The Square Abingdon, England - 15/02/2024
- Barclays 2 Market Place, Cannock, England - 22/02/2024
- Barclays 197 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, England - 21/02/2024
- Barclays 54 High Street, Ruislip, England - 16/02/2024
- Ulster Bank 1a Main Street, Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland - 28/02/2024
- Ulster Bank 1-2 Kings Square, Belfast, Northern Ireland - 21/02/2024
- Ulster Bank 356-369 Ormeau Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland - 20/02/2024
- Ulster Bank 29 Clooney Terrace, Waterside, Northern Ireland - 27/02/2024
March
- Lloyds 26 Bridge Street, Downham Market, England, PE38 9DH - 25/03/2024
- Lloyds 102-104 Market Street, Shirebrook, England, NG20 8AD - 25/03/2024
- Lloyds 39 High Street Sidmouth, England, EX10 8LQ - 26/03/2024
- Lloyds 49 John Street Porthcawl, Wales, CF36 3AS - 27/03/2024
- Lloyds 185 Queen Street, Withernsea, England, HU19 2JR - 27/03/2024
- Lloyds 27 Fore Street Wellington, England, TA21 8AF - 25/03/2024
- Lloyds 22 King Street, Stretford, England, M32 8AD - 12/03/2024
- Lloyds 30 Market Place, Brackley, England, NN13 7BA - 26/03/2024
- Lloyds 5-6 King Street, Penrith, England, CA11 7AP - 19/03/2024
- Lloyds 39 Chester Road West, Shotton, Wales, CH5 1BY - 13/03/2024
- Lloyds 82-84 High Street, Ruislip, England, HA4 7AB - 13/03/2024
- Lloyds 1 Walm Lane Willesden Green, England, NW2 5SN - 21/03/2024
- Lloyds 3 Market Hill, Diss, England, IP22 4JZ - 20/03/2024
- Halifax 3/5 Kirkgate, Otley, England, - 26/03/2024
- Halifax 58 Beveridge Way, Newton Aycliffe, England - 27/03/2024
- Halifax 32 John Street, Porthcawl, Wales - 26/03/2024
- Halifax 99 High Street, Barnet, England - 12/03/2024
- Halifax 91 Holton Road, Barry, Wales - 18/03/2024
- Halifax 8/10 High Street, Dartford, England - 18/03/2024
- Halifax 12A Market Place, Diss, England - 20/03/2024
- Halifax 1 Church Street, Dereham, England - 14/03/2024
- Halifax 82 High Street, Lymington, England - 11/03/2024
- Halifax 29/33 Chestergate, Macclesfield, England - 11/03/2024
- Halifax 248/250 High Street, Orpington, England - 12/03/2024
- Halifax 41/42 Middlegate, Penrith, England - 19/03/2024
- Halifax 11/12 High Street, Stamford, England - 14/03/2024
- BoS 74 Byres Road, Glasgow, Scotland - 21/03/2024
- NatWest 817 Bristol Road South, Birmingham, England - 05/03/2024
- NatWest 267 Castle Street, Dudley, England - 07/03/2024
- NatWest 36 High Street, Maldon, England - 07/03/2024
- NatWest 509 Prescot Road, Liverpool, England - 05/03/2024
- NatWest 208 Piccadilly London, England - 06/03/2024
- NatWest 56 High Street, Rochester, England - 06/03/2024
- Barclays 2 Liscard Village, Wallasey, England - 28/03/2024
- Barclays 100 High Street, Poole, England - 08/03/2024
- Barclays Crown Buildings, 11 Broad Street, Builth Wells, Wales - 06/03/2024
- Barclays 57 Frogmore Street, Abergavenny, Wales - 01/03/2024
- Barclays 85 High Street, Blackwood, Wales - 22/03/2024
- Barclays 81 High Street, Sc*nthorpe, England - 20/03/2024
- Barclays 23 Market Place, Mansfield, England - 01/03/2024
- Barclays 35 Victoria Street, Grimsby, England - 13/03/2024
- Barclays 4 North Bar Within, Beverley, England - 21/03/2024
- Barclays 197 High Street, Perth, Scotland - 08/03/2024
- Barclays 24 High Street, Dundee, Scotland, 15/03/2024
- Valley House, Kingsway, Team Valley, Gateshead, England - 15/03/2024
- Barclays Priestpopple, Hexham, England - 01/03/2024
- Barclays 193 High Street, Northallerton, England - 14/03/2024
- Barclays 49 High Street, Skipton, England - 07/03/2024
- Barclays 63/65 High Street, Rayleigh, England - 22/03/2024
- Barclays 2/4 Aldermans Hill, Palmers Green, London, England - 08/03/2024
- Barclays 8 The Broadway, Crouch End, England - 01/03/2024
- Ulster Bank 27 Main Street, Crumlin, Northern Ireland - 20/03/2024
- Ulster Bank 2 Farmley Road, Glengormley, Northern Ireland - 13/03/2024
- Ulster Bank 186 Main Street, Lisnaskea, Northern Ireland - 06/03/2024
- Ulster Bank 14-16 Market Street, Lurgan, Northern Ireland - 05/03/2024
- Ulster Bank 91-93 University Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland - 12/03/2024
April
- Lloyds Union Street, Ulverston, England - 09/04/2024
- Lloyds 71-73 High Street, Stone, England - 10/04/2024
- Lloyds 67 Fore Street Saltash, England - 10/04/2024
- Lloyds 34 Station Road, West Drayton, England - 11/04/2024
- Lloyds 19-20 Wellington Street, Teignmouth, England - 15/04/2024
- Lloyds 5 Market Place, Selby, England - 03/04/2024
- Lloyds 129-131 High Street, Rochester, England - 04/04/2024
- Lloyds 110-112 High Street, Putney, England - 04/04/2024
- Lloyds 12 High Street Newtown, Wales - 03/04/2024
- Lloyds 15-17 Pool Street, Caernarfon, Wales - 30/04/2024
- Lloyds 4 Market Square, Dover, England - 11/04/2024
- Lloyds 16 Main Street, Mexborough, England - 22/04/2024
- Halifax Prescot Shopping Centre, Prescot, England - 08/04/2024
- Halifax 7/7A Market Place, Thorne, Doncaster, England - 08/04/2024
- Halifax 2 Market Place, Ossett, England - 09/04/2024
- Halifax 2170 Coventry Road, Sheldon, England - 22/04/2024 58-62
- Halifax High Street, Barkingside, England - 15/04/2024
- Halifax 165 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, England - 18/04/2024
- Halifax 1 High Street, Daventry, England - 17/04/2024
- Halifax 17 Fore Street, Bridgwater, England- 23/04/2024
- Halifax 149/151 Mortimer Street, Herne Bay, England - 17/04/2024
- Halifax 17 Windsor Court, Morley, England - 16/04/2024
- Halifax 73A Station Road, New Milton, England - 23/04/2024
- Halifax 25 Bridge Street, Spalding, England - 18/04/2024
- Halifax 44 Greengate Street, Stafford, England - 08/04/2024
- Halifax 40/41 King Street, Whitehaven, England - 09/04/2024
- BoS Harbour Street, Tarbert, Scotland - 29/04/2024
- Barclays 100/101 Bute Street, Treorchy, Wales - 26/04/2024
- Barclays Kingsway, Team Valley Gateshead England - 19/04/2024
- Barclays 22/23 High Street, Burton-on-Trent, England - 11/04/2024
- Barclays Unit 27, Longbridge Town Centre, Birmingham, England - 18/04/2024
- Barclays 36 Dunraven Place, Bridgend, Wales - 12/04/2024
- Barclays 9 The Parade, Neath, Wales -19/04/2024
- Barclays City Office Park, Tritton Road, Lincoln, England - 12/04/2024
- Barclays 33-35 High Street, Grantham, England - 17/04/2024
- Barclays 306 Romford Road, Forest Gate, England - 11/04/2024
- Barclays 33 Market Square, Kirkby Stephen, England - 12/04/2024
- Barclays Market Square, Penrith, England - 17/04/2024
- Barclays 10 North Street, Bishop's Stortford, England - 12/04/2024
- Barclays 11/13 Queen Street, Ramsgate, England - 19/04/2024
- Barclays 1 Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, England - 18/04/2024
- Barclays 27 Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England - 18/04/2024
- Barclays 28 High Street, Ely, England - 11/04/2024
- Barclays 20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, England - 12/04/2024
- Barclays 78/80 Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, Scotland - 26/04/2024
- Barclays 28 Molesworth Street, Wadebridge, England - 25/04/2024
- Barclays 32 High Street, Cardigan, Wales - 26/04/2024
- Barclays Unit 62, Bluewater Park, Greenhithe, England - 26/04/2024
- Barclays 38 Market Street, Lancaster, England - 25/04/2024
- Barclays 92 High Street, Maidenhead, England - 26/04/2024
What you can do if your local bank branch closes
The vast majority of banking customers are moving online and don't need a physical branch as much as before.
But any closures can be an issue for others, particularly elderly people in rural areas who don't have access to theinternet.
However, if your local branch is set to close, or has recently, you have some options.
You can carry out most basic banking tasks at your nearestPost Office.
You won't be able to apply for aloanor open a new bank account at once though.
You can find your nearest Post Office branch by using the locator tool on its website.
Meanwhile, many banks offer a mobilebanking service- where they bring a bus to your area offering services you can usually get at a physical branch.
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Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offermobile banking services.
It's worth contacting your bank to see what services they have available, and when they mightnextbe in your area.
Topics
- Barclays
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Store closings
- UK banking
- London
- Scotland
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