Lloyds bank closures criticised by Tynedale councillors

Hexham: Lloyds Bank is closing branches in Hexham and Prudhoe this year. Prudhoe will shut in May, and Hexham will close in November. The Halifax branch in Hexham will also close on the same day. Lloyds says most customers now prefer online banking.

For Prudhoe residents, the nearest branch will be in Blaydon. Hexham customers will have to travel 15.8 miles to Consett for their closest branch. Both towns will also lose their cash machines.

Nationwide, over 130 branches of Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland are set to close. The company reported a 57% drop in face-to-face transactions in Hexham and a 47% drop in Prudhoe since 2019.

Local councillors are upset about the closures. Cllr Gordon Stewart from Prudhoe South said many residents feared this day would come. He noted that not everyone can easily switch to online banking.

Cllr Angie Scott from Prudhoe North called for Lloyds to reconsider. She emphasized that banks are vital for elderly residents and those with disabilities. Without local branches, many will struggle to access banking services.

Cllr Suzanne Fairless-Aitken from Hexham East expressed frustration. She said working people can only bank in person on Saturdays in Newcastle. She believes banks have lost their community focus.

Hexham’s Mayor, Cllr Derek Kennedy, echoed calls for government intervention. He highlighted that many people still need cash and can’t use banking apps.

MP Joe Morris has written to Lloyds, urging them to rethink the closures. He believes banking should be accessible for everyone, regardless of location.

A Lloyds spokeswoman responded, stating that many customers now prefer online banking. She mentioned that local Post Offices offer everyday banking services and that a community banker will visit affected areas after the closures.