Lloyds TSB have contacted Paul Howell, Member of Parliament for Sedgefield, to advise that the Halifax Branch in Newton Aycliffe Town Centre will close in September 2023.
Statement from Lloyds TSB: “The Halifax branch in Newton Aycliffe will be closing on 6 September 2023. We will be writing to customers about this shortly and I wanted to let you know as soon as possible.
Our customers have more choice than ever in how they bank with us and are increasingly using digital banking to manage their money. We now have over 20 million digital users and, as people choose to do more online, visits to some branches have fallen by as much as 69% over the last five years. We have to respond to this changing behaviour.
Our branches will continue to be important to some of our customers, alongside banking services available in the Post Office, and telephone, mobile and online banking services.
We will support all customers who regularly use this branch, and they will receive a letter with details of alternative ways and places to bank with us. We will also try and speak to our vulnerable customers, either in the branch or over the phone, to discuss how else we may be able to help. We will continue to ensure access to cash is maintained.
There are no job losses as a result of this closure. All colleagues affected will be offered roles at other branches or in other parts of our business.”
Paul Howell said: “I am sad to hear of the closure of the Halifax Branch in Newton Aycliffe Town Centre and although it’s reassuring to hear there will be no job losses because of the branch closure, I can appreciate it may be an uncertain time for the Newton Aycliffe staffing team. Clearly, they will be trying to help their customers while having concerns about their own future plans. If any staff members require assistance, I will be very happy to help if I can.
“As outlined in the statement from Lloyds TSB, changes in behaviour and reduction in visits to the Aycliffe branch have initiated the response to close the branch. Lloyds TSB have shared the closure plans for this branch with LINK who, on behalf of the Cash Action Group, have independently assessed the access to cash needs of the local community.”
Statement from Public Affairs Manager at LINK: “Since last year, LINK assesses every bank branch closure in the country and can recommend shared banking services if certain criteria are met.
I’m writing to let you know that we have visited Newton Aycliffe and based on the criteria we have recommended that the town should be served by a shared banking hub.
Banking hubs provide basic banking services including counter services run for the major banks by the Post Office, and dedicated rooms where customers can meet community bankers from their own bank.”
Paul said: “To ensure continuity of service, I am in discussion with LINK regarding provision of a Shared Banking Hub before the Halifax Branch closes. I believe a Banking Hub will actually provide better access to customer services because all of the banking organisations will be represented, and this will greatly improve access to banking for all local customers. I will provide further updates about the Banking Hub when more information is available.
“I’m arranging to meet with the LINK team to discuss this further and would encourage constituents who have any questions to get in touch with me at paul.howell.mp@parliament.uk or call 01325 790580.”
Photo: Paul Howell MP outside Halifax, Aycliffe Town Centre.