64% of banks shut

Communities struggling after the closure of 13,300 branches

ALMOST two-thirds of bank branches have closed in 30 years, a study has revealed.

After 13,300 closures, there are now just 7,586 branches, with hundreds more earmarked to go.

It has left a fifth of households nearly two miles from a bank, the Which? study showed. It is a further blow to communities hit by the loss of small shops, which the Mirror’s High Street Fightback campaign has highlighted.

Which? found almost half of people were unaware that Post Office branches can plug the gap in banking services. The banks say fewer people use branches after the rise of internet banking.

But Ceri Stanaway, Which? Money Editor, said: “Millions of people are struggling to access the vital financial services and cash that they need.

“We want to see banks properly justify reasons for closure.”

Mike Cherry, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Bank branches are vital to a lot of small business owners.” Tell us what you think: yourvoice@mirror.co.uk VANISHING Local branches