Lloyds, Halifax and other major banks to shut 24 branches across UK in November

Another 24 bank branches are set to close across the UK within days, in yet another blow to Britain's high streets. The closures, which begin early next month, will see Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Barclays, NatWest, and Santander all shut more of their local branches, leaving millions of customers with reduced access to face-to-face banking.

It's the latest wave in a long line of cuts that have reshaped the nation's banking landscape. Since January 2015, banks and building societies have closed 6,443 branches, the equivalent of 53 every month, according to consumer group Which?

Lloyds Bank will lead the November closures, with 17 branches shutting their doors for good, including sites in Bristol Bishopsworth, Manchester Newton Heath, and Sheffield Woodhouse.

Two Bank of Scotland locations, in Moffat and Thornhill, will also close, along with three Halifax branches in Bolton, Hexham, and Wickford.

Barclays, NatWest, and Santander will each lose one branch, including Barclays' Northampton Wellingborough Road, NatWest's Garstang, and Santander's Surrey Quays site.

The full list of closures runs from November 3 to November 28 and affects towns and cities from Coventry to Pontardawe.

Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, said the decision reflects the continued shift towards digital banking, with more customers using apps and online services instead of visiting branches.

A NatWest spokesperson also highlighted this growing trend, saying: "Over 80% of our current account holders use digital services, and more than 97% of retail accounts are opened online."

However, campaigners and community groups say the closures risk leaving vulnerable customers behind. Critics argue that many older people still rely heavily on in-person banking, especially in rural areas where internet access can be limited.

Research shows that 39% of people aged over 65 do not use online banking, raising concerns that the continued closures could deepen financial exclusion.

Consumer experts are urging customers affected by the closures to explore alternative options.

Many essential services can still be carried out at Post Office branches, which offer cash withdrawals, deposits, and balance checks for most major banks. There are currently 11,684 Post Office locations across the UK, though they cannot open new accounts or process loans and mortgages.

Some banks also operate mobile banking vans, which act as temporary, portable branches and visit towns and villages several days a week. These mobile units allow customers to withdraw cash, deposit cheques, and make bill payments, helping to fill the gap left by permanent closures.

In some areas, banks have partnered with community venues such as libraries and village halls to maintain limited in-person services.