More Bank Branches to Shut Down
After 19 bank branches closed in December last year, an additional 14 branches are set to close their gates in the coming weeks. This includes well-known banks like Halifax and NatWest, which are staples on the UK high street. Customers are increasingly turning to online banking, leading banks and building societies to find ways to cut costs.
Branch Locations and Closing Dates
Barclays is set to close seven branches, Bank of Scotland is closing one, and both NatWest and Halifax are closing three branches each. Here are the branch locations and closing dates:
Barclays
- 1 High Street, Westbury-on-Trym, England – 16/02/2024
- 34 Market Place, Dereham, England – 15/02/2024
- 32 Hill Street, Newry, Northern Ireland – 16/02/2024
- 22/24 Hide Hill , Berwick-Upon-Tweed, England – 14/02/2024
- 2 Holly Parade, 20 High Street, Cobham, England – 14/02/2024
- 131 Eltham High Street, Eltham, England – 16/02/2024
- 2 The Square Abingdon, England – 15/02/2024
NatWest
- 314 Chiswick High Road, London, England – 20/02/2024
- 151 New Line, Bradford, England – 21/02/2024
- 2 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, England – 22/02/2024
Halifax
- 7 Station Plaza, Ilkley, England – 15/01/2024
- 43/45 Sheep Street, Bicester, England – 07/02/2024
- 35-41 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, Scotland – 05/02/2024
Bank of Scotland
- 42 Stuart Street, Millport, Scotland – 20/02/2024
What to Do if Your Local Bank Branch Closes
While most banking customers are moving online and don't need a physical branch as much as before, closures can still be an issue for some, especially elderly people in rural areas without internet access. If your local branch is set to close or has recently closed, there are options available. You can carry out basic banking tasks at your nearest Post Office, although more complex services may not be available. Many banks also offer mobile banking services, bringing services to your area via a bus or using buildings like village halls or libraries. Contact your bank to find out what services they have available and when they will be in your area.
Britain's Retail Apocalypse
The closure of bank branches comes amidst a cost of living crisis, high inflation, and rising energy costs that are forcing retailers to shut down their outlets. The UK has lost 6,000 stores over a five-year period, according to the British Retail Consortium. Several brands have collapsed and disappeared from high streets, and recently, six major chains, including Next, Boots, and WHSmith, have closed stores. Argos, Next, Jack Wills, and Poundland have also announced permanent branch closures. The closures are attributed to "crippling" business rates and the impact of coronavirus lockdowns.
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