Lloyds Banking Group plans to close 136 branches, including Halifax locations in Bangor and Omagh, affecting local communities and banking access.
Belfast: Lloyds Banking Group is closing 136 branches to cut costs and go digital. This includes 61 Lloyds, 61 Halifax, and 14 Bank of Scotland branches by March 2026.
In Northern Ireland, the Halifax branches in Bangor and Omagh will close. All affected workers will be offered jobs at other locations. The changes aim to let customers use any branch for in-person banking.
After the closures, Lloyds will have 386 branches, Halifax will have 281, and Bank of Scotland will have 90. The Omagh branch is set to close on May 19, 2023.
Sinn Féin MLA Nicola Brogan expressed concern about the impact on the local community. She noted that many people still rely on physical branches for banking services.
Brogan highlighted the challenges faced by rural communities, elderly individuals, and low-income families due to the shift to digital banking. She urged banks to engage with local communities to address these issues.
North Down MP Alex Easton also criticized the closure of the Bangor branch, scheduled for May 29, 2025. He emphasized the importance of face-to-face banking for vulnerable customers.
Easton called for Halifax to reconsider the decision and ensure support for those struggling with digital banking. He noted that local businesses would also face challenges without a nearby bank.
Lloyds cited a 48% drop in in-person transactions over five years as a reason for the closures. They mentioned that over 20 million customers now use their apps for banking.
A spokesperson stated that customers have more options, including telephone banking and access to over 11,000 Post Office branches. They aim to provide flexibility for everyday banking needs.
