Merseyside and Cheshire branches among Lloyds banks to close
48 branches of Lloyds and Halifax are set to close across the UK, with 4 in our region
Four Lloyds Bank branches across Merseyside and Cheshire are set to close, as part of national changes announced today (20th October).
The parent company is blaming declining visits by customers.
A union claims it could lead to 178 job losses, and says the move will deny thousands of customers access to vital services.
Closures across Merseyside and Cheshire
Four branches of Lloyds bank are set to close in our area, as part of the plans announced today:
- Garston (Liverpool) will close on 3rd February 2022
- Prescot (Knowsley) will close on 28th February 2022
- Runcorn (Cheshire) will close on 1st March 2022
- Earlestown (Newton-le-Willows) will close on 10th March 2022
Lloyds closures controversy
The Unite union said the closure of 41 Lloyds Bank and seven Halifax branches will deny thousands of customers access to vital services and cash, and could lead to 178 job losses.
Vim Maru, retail director for Lloyds Banking Group, said: "Like many other businesses, we've seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years, and this decline is continuing.
"Our branches remain a fundamental part of how we serve our customers but we need to ensure the size of our branch network reflects the number of customers wanting to use them."
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The announcement by Lloyds Banking Group of closing a further 48 bank branches is a complete betrayal of the communities and staff who have long supported this highly profitable business.
"This sector needs to start taking their corporate social responsibilities seriously and stop neglecting their obligations to their customers and workforce.
"Banks are leaving people behind in the rush to close bank branches and force consumers to go cashless to boost their mega-profits. It's a classic example of putting profits before people."
Unite said it believes the banking industry should have a legal commitment to protect access to cash and bank branches.
The announcement will cut the number of Lloyds Banking Group branches to 1,475, the union added.
Lloyds has not made any compulsory redundancies as a result of a branch closures, aiming to make voluntary redundancies or offer alternate roles.