Spalding and Stamford Halifax branches set to close in 2024
Bank bosses have announced that a town Halifax branch is set for closure.
The Spalding location, in Bridge Street, is destined to close on April 18 next year – one of 22 Halifax branches set to be axed by parent company Lloyds Banking Group in 2024.
The nearby branch in High Street, Stamford will also shut – with a March 14 closure date.
National news reports that suggested Lloyds branches in the towns would also close were inaccurate – and a spokesman has confirmed these are not on the list to join their Halifax counterparts in facing closure.
A Halifax spokesman said: “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. 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.”
In both towns, Halifax customers have been promised they will get access to a ‘Community Banker’. These are people tasked with helping people in places with no local branch by offering banking services and account support from a dedicated space in a community venue or Banking Hub.
Customers in both towns are also being pointed to their nearest Post Office for services too.
The firm says that more than four in five customers regularly use online banking – with branch visits falling by an average of 53% in the last five years across the branches earmarked for closure.
Lloyds Banking Group will be closing 45 branches in total – 19 Lloyds Bank, 22 Halifax and 4 Bank of Scotland outlets - between March 2024 and November 2024.
A Lloyds Banking Group spokesman said: “The way customers choose to bank with us has changed rapidly in recent years, and we now offer a wide range of options for their everyday banking needs.
“This includes our mobile app, online and over the phone. Customers can also bank with us through the Post Office, in a Banking Hub or by speaking to a Community Banker. All colleagues will be offered other roles across our business.”
What do you think? Is the loss of the local branch a blow? Post your comments below or email andrew.brookes@iliffepublishing.co.uk
