Lloyds banking group announces 60 closures including…

Lloyds banking group announces 60 closures including Halifax branches - see full list

Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and Halifax are to close 60 bank branches across the UK.

Parent company Lloyds Banking Group said the decision was made as the number of customers now using online banking reached an all-time high this year.

Lloyds says it now has 18.6 million regular online banking customers and over 15 million mobile app users. These have increased 12% and 27% respectively in the last two years.

The high street lender said Banking Hubs have been recommended in the towns of Buckingham, Cottingham, and Troon by leading cash machine company LINK.

Banking Hubs have a traditional banking counter, run by the Post Office, where customers can deposit and withdraw cash, pay-in cheques and check balances.

The full list of branches that are closing include 24 Lloyds Bank, 19 Bank of Scotland and 17 Halifax banks.

Vim Maru, group retail director, Lloyds Banking Group said: “Just like many other high street businesses, fewer customers are choosing to visit our branches.

"Our branch network is an important way for us to support our customers, but we need to adapt to the significant growth in customers choosing to do most of their everyday banking online.”

Lloyds hasn't said how many members of staff are affected by the closures, but added: "We aim to support all colleagues impacted, who want to remain with the Group, with a move to a new role."

The move comes after Lloyds confirmed plans to shut 48 bank branches in October last year, with 178 jobs at risk at the time.

Another 44 closures were confirmed in early 2021 as well.

Lloyds Banking Group has 739 Lloyds Bank branches, 553 Halifax and 184 Bank of Scotland branches.

Bank of Scotland branches affected