Branch closures by banks 'are kick in the teeth' for residents

Branches of the Halifax in Hedon and Withernsea are among 265 "agency" outlets set to close in the autumn under restructuring plans announced by Lloyds Banking Group.

The loss of the outlets, which offer services such as deposits and withdrawals, will hit rural communities hard, according to East Riding councillor and Withernsea resident Richard Stead.

Coun Stead, who will table a motion to the council calling for a rethink later this month, said: "A lot of people have contacted me raising their concerns and I will be asking the council for support when I table a motion on July 28 asking the Halifax to reconsider.

"The parent company was bailed out by the taxpayer and the first thing they do is to try to get rid of these outlets. It's a kick in the teeth.

"They are very important to the whole of the area, not just the towns themselves.

"It would mean the loss of a high street name and less financial choice and it will have a profound effect on a small rural area like ours.

"It will create great problems for elderly people in Withernsea because the next nearest branch is in Holderness Road (in Hull)."

Coun Stead said services and facilities in Withernsea should be increased, not cut, as the town's population is expected to grow under regeneration plans.

He said: "There are plans for up to 500 new houses in Withernsea so the population is going to expand, and most caravan parks are applying for 12-month licences."

Lloyds Banking Group said it had written to customers advising them of the changes and that Lloyds TSB branches were a short walk away in both towns, although it conceded the nearest alternative Halifax branch for people in Withernsea was almost 17 miles away.

A spokeswoman added: "We really do hope that all customers will continue to bank with us.

"To help, we are significantly strengthening our relationship with the Post Office and Halifax savings and banking customers will for the first time be able to deposit cash and cheques by requesting a pre-printed paying in slip...We are very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause our customers."