Banking group set to shut 49 branches

LLOYDS Banking Group which operates the Halifax, Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland brands is to close two more of its branches in Wales.

The Halifax branch at the Capitol Centre in Cardiff and the Lloyds Bank branch in Llandeilo will close.

It’s part of a nationwide shutdown of 49 branches across the three brands which will affect 99 jobs.

The lender said the group was embarking on the closure programme partly in response to changing customer behaviour and the declining number of transactions being made in branches.

A Lloyds spokesman said: “Customers are increasingly choosing to use digital and mobile channels for their everyday banking needs.

“In response to this, we have confirmed the locations of some branches which will close next year across Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland.”

Lloyds insisted that branches remain a “key part of the service” it offers.

Earlier this year, the lender said it would shut down 100 branches as it swung the axe on 200 jobs.

Lloyds added that, even with these closures, around 95% per cent of Lloyds Bank and around 90% of Halifax and Bank of Scotland customers will still have a usable branch within five miles of their home.

But union Unite reacted with fury, saying the move undermined growth and would leave more communities without access to “valued local banking”.

Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer, said: “Lloyds Banking Group needs to halt this unnecessary bank branch closure programme.

“Local communities are making it clear that the closure of their local branch excludes customers who cannot use digital means to conduct their financial transactions. Having returned to profitability, Lloyds needs to stop ignoring its corporate social responsibilities.”

The bank unveiled a hefty rise in third-quarter profits last month as the once state-backed lender hailed a “strong financial performance”.

The company saw pre-tax profits more than double to £1.95bn as chief executive Antonio HortaOsorio’s turnaround of the lender continues.

The results built on a strong run of form for Lloyds, which was fully returned to private hands in May.