News
More than 100 bank branches already set for closure in 2023
Within just a fortnight, more than 100 bank branch closures have been announced by major lenders.
Between 13 and 27 January 2023, a total of 103 bank branches have been earmarked for closure.
Barclays is the latest to announce a series of closures – affecting 15 branches – on top of the 15 Barclays already announced a couple of weeks’ ago.
It follows Nationwide’s confirmation that it will close its 27 Regent Street branch in Kingswood, England, BS15 8JX on 20 April 2023.
Earlier, NatWest confirmed 23 branches were set to go, while Lloyds and Halifax, both part of the Lloyds Group, announced 40 branch closures.
Elsewhere, TSB confirmed it would shutter nine branches in May 2023.
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All-in-all, it means in just two weeks, more than 100 branches have been earmarked to go, after more than 600 branch closures were announced in 2022.
Meanwhile, there are 12,178 fewer free-to-use ATMs in operation last year compared with August 2018.
Jenny Ross, Which? Money editor, said: “While many consumers have embraced digital banking, there are still millions, including the elderly, vulnerable and isolated, who aren’t yet ready or willing to make that switch – and they must be protected.
“Our figures show how the number of bank branches and free-to-use ATMs has been slashed in recent years, so it’s vital that new legislation protects free access to cash for the millions of people who rely on it.
“The Government must guarantee minimum levels of access without fees being charged and give the [regulator] Financial Conduct Authority powers to oversee the cash system to ensure it meets community needs.”
Latest Barclays branches set to close
Here’s the full list of branches set to close, along with the date:
- 7 High Street, Chislehurst, England, BR7 5AB – 4/5/23
- 2 Church Street, Heywood, England, OL10 1LN – 28/4/23
- 19 Church Street, St Helens, England, WA10 1BG – 4/5/23
- 43/44 High Street, Gosport, England, PO12 1DN – 26/4/23
- 221 Watling Street, Radlett, England, WD7 7AJ – 5/5/23
- 19 Fleet Street, London, England, EC4Y 1AA – 3/5/23
- 18a North End, Bedale, England, DL8 1AD – 26/4/23
- Market Place, Leyburn, England, DL8 5BQ – 5/5/23
- 3 Ely Valley Road, Talbot Green, Wales, CF72 8AL – 5/5/23
- 2 New Street, Oundle, England, PE8 4EB – 5/5/23
- 46/49 Broad Street, Stamford, England, PE9 1PZ– 28/4/23
- 10 High Street, Oakham, England, LE15 6AN – 28/4/23
- 45 Market Street, Wymondham, England, NR18 0AL – 28/4/23
- 56 High Street, Watton, England, IP25 6AF – 3/5/23
- 16 High Street, Bridgwater, England, TA6 3DX – 26/4/23.
A Barclays spokesperson, said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority choosing online banking. As we adapt, we are closing less well used branches whilst investing in brilliant customer service and digital technology.
“We are maintaining our community presence with alternative options for customers who still require in-person support. This includes our network of Barclays Local sites in libraries and community centres, bank pods and mobile vans, our cashback without purchase service, Shared Banking Hubs and everyday banking at the Post Office.”
Barclays added that it is expanding Barclays Local by over 70 sites in 2023, adding to the 200 opened in 2022. These provide a presence in places such as town halls and libraries, and offer in-person banking support.
Further, it will roll out 10 banking pods by summer 2023 – semi-permanent structures providing private space in locations such as shopping centres and retail parks.
And it will add six electric vehicle banking vans to its existing fleet of 10, enabling Barclays to reach customers in remote locations.
Related: An in-depth guide to your rights and options when your bank branch closes