Kidderminster bank set for axe as Lloyds announces closure of 136 branches nationwide

The group, Britain's biggest mortgage lender, is set to close 136 branches of Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland across the UK.

Among them will be Lloyds bank in Kidderminster, set to close in October, as well as nearby Bridgnorth.

All workers affected by the closures would be offered alternative roles, the group said.

The country is estimated to have lost well in excess of 6,000 banking branches since 2015, with rural towns and villages particularly affected by the changes. Banking bosses say demand for in-branch banking is falling due to the growth in on-line services,  which they say are "faster, easier and more convenient". Lloyds Banking Group says around 20 million people use its apps,  leading to ten million fewer in-branch transactions in 2024 compared to 2023.

“Over 20 million customers are using our apps for on-demand access to their money and customers have more choice and flexibility than ever for their day-to-day banking," said a Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson.  

"Alongside our apps, customers can also use telephone banking, visit a Community Banker or use any Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland branch, giving access to many more branches. Customers can also do their everyday banking at over 11,000 branches of the Post Office or in a Banking Hub.”

The closure plan will bring the Lloyds brand down to 386 branches, Halifax down to 281 branches and Bank of Scotland to 90 branches once completed.

Earlier this month, the company revealed plans to shut offices in Dunfermline, Scotland and in Liverpool, impacting more than 1,000 workers.