Halifax closure a ‘real tragedy’ for Spalding

News that a town centre bank will shut its doors has been labelled ‘a real tragedy’.

Spalding’s Bridge Street branch of Halifax will shut next year, parent company Lloyds Banking Group has announced.

The branch in nearby Stamford is also be one of 22 being axed across the country.

“It’s a real tragedy to lose the Halifax,” said Craig Delaney, chairman of the Spalding Business Board.

“Whilst I appreciate there is so much functionality available online, people still need and want to attend their banking branches in person.

“There will always be something that cannot be achieved online or on the telephone where a personal attendance in branch is so valued and necessary.

“On a professional level we also engage a lot with the Halifax on behalf of clients and dealing with their affairs that now having to travel elsewhere is going to make this process harder and more costly for clients – which is not good for anyone.”

The Spalding branch will close on the April 8 with the Stamford branch shutting earlier on March 14.

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Mr Delaney also believes the closure will be ‘another blow’ to the town centre, which recently saw its Wilko shut.

“A town centre not only needs it shops and hospitality outlets to continue to thrive but also its essential services which includes banking facilities so it’s a real shame that Spalding is going to be hit with another blow losing the Halifax branch,” he added

“I can only presume that Halifax have accepted and prepared themselves for swathes of its customers to have no choice but move their business to another bank who still offer services in town.”

Sue Stubley of neighbouring Occasions Jewellers is against the decision.

“I don’t agree with it,” she said.

“A lot of people have been loyal to them a long while and and I think they should be more loyal to them.

“I don’t internet bank. If I have a problem I’d rather pop across and sort it out. I don’t want my details online.

“We all need cash, especially the older generation who don’t know how to deal with the internet and online banking.”

A Halifax spokesperson said the decision was a knock-on effect from customers choosing to control their finances via their computers and smartphones.

“As many customers now choose to bank online or through their mobile app, visits to our Stamford and Spalding Halifax branches have fallen over recent years,” they explained.

“The local Post Offices offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs, alongside other ways to bank such as online, phone and mobile banking services.”

Figures shared by Halifax state that 72% of the Spalding branch personal customers already use other ways of banking, such as mobile, internet or phone banking, as well as other branches.

It added that transactions at the Spalding branch fell more than 60% between 2018 and 2023.

Customers can use any Halifax branch for their banking, alongside other options such as the Post Office, online, mobile and telephone banking.

Halifax added that in the run up to next year’s closure, branch staff will be on-hand to offer support and guidance on the ways customers can continue bank with them.

What do you think? Will this be a miss for Spalding? Post your thoughts in the comments below...