Lloyds prompts backlash after axing another 44 branches
Lloyds Banking Group is to close another 44 branches across England and Wales this year as lenders ramp up cost-cutting.
Lloyds blamed a lack of customers at the sites as the reason for the move as people switch to digital banking.
The latest closures means a total of 100 branches will shut this year, with Lloyds and Halifax sites the latest in the exodus.
Lloyds confirmed the cuts in a statement and affirmed that they were in response to fewer customers using the branches after union Unite criticised the move.
“Like many businesses on the high street, we must change for a future where branches will be used in a different way, and visited less often,” said Vim Maru, retail director for Lloyds.
Unite said it had told Lloyds that branches continued to provide an essential service for communities.
“In recent times Lloyds Banking Group has spent significant resource to sell its message of ‘Helping Britain Recover’,” Unite national officer Caren Evans said.
“Unite seriously question how this decision to walk away from local communities promotes this message at a time when the customers will rely on the financial services sector support more than ever.”
A full list of Lloyds closures is displayed below. Check if your branch is affected.
Bournemouth Westbourne
Cardiff Rumney
Leeds Horsforth
Northwood
Stony Stratford
Church Village
Morley
London Regent St
Oakham
Brixham
Quinton
Mildenhall
Berkeley Square
Faversham
Brighton Preston Circus
Gants Hill
Halstead
Holsworthy
Henley-on-Thames
Hendon
Kempston
Towcester
Kentish Town
Tadley
Bromborough
Cheltenham Bath Rd
Haslemere
Newport Maindee
Sedgley Dudley
Manchester Cross St
Plaistow West Ham
Chesham
Chertsey
Fleet
Harpenden
Potters Bar
Kenilworth
Hinckley
Market Harborough
Upminster
Rugeley