Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed it will close two more bank branches in Huyton Village, Merseyside, by November 2026, leaving the area without any bank. The closures include a Lloyds Bank and a Halifax branch, both scheduled to shut in November. Local residents and Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley have expressed profound disappointment, highlighting the impact on older people and other vulnerable groups, including the danger of online scams.
MP Calls for Urgent Meeting with Lloyds CEO
In a letter dated June 15 addressed to Lloyds Banking Group chief executive Charlie Nunn, Ms Midgley asked the company to justify its decision to close three branches in Merseyside, including the two in Huyton. She wrote: "These closures will have a significant impact on thousands of residents, businesses and community organisations who continue to rely on face-to-face banking services. While I recognise the increasing use of online and mobile banking, it is clear that digital services cannot fully replace the role that local branches play within our communities."
A spokesperson for Lloyds Bank confirmed it is in contact with the MP but did not directly address the questions raised about Huyton.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Loss of Services
Julie Graley, 79, a lifelong Huyton resident with a Halifax account, said she was surprised to hear about the Halifax closure. She noted: "I'm quite comfortable with online banking now, but I feel for some of the older people, and people with disabilities, because it will make it really hard for them. A lot of people do rely on cash, and I know some of the businesses around here are cash only, so what will they do now, how will they bank?"
Sandra Audley, 77, who visits Huyton Village several times a week, highlighted the diminishing range of services, pointing to the closure of her former Santander branch in 2021. She said: "I went online, and could also travel to Old Swan to bank there, but not everyone can do that. But more and more banks are closing which is a worry and now there will be none here in Huyton. I've now changed to Nationwide, because they are not going to close any branches, they're a building society, and I think more people will end up doing that because people need bank branches."
Concerns Over Online Scams and Accessibility
Sandra also raised concerns about online scams: "There are many older people that are not used to online banking, and when they try to do online, they're easily scammed, I almost got scammed myself, and that's a worry for people which doesn't seem to be understood by the banks making these closure decisions."
MP Anneliese Midgley has also highlighted the recent decision by LINK not to open a banking hub in Huyton. In a letter to LINK CEO Josh Howells, she expressed "serious concerns" about the lack of accessible banking services and called on the company to reconsider. In response, LINK's chief commercial officer, Dr Chris Ashton, said: "We are satisfied that the community continues to have good access to cash through the local Post Office and free to use ATMs." However, Ms Midgley said this view does not reflect reality for many residents, especially those relying on public transport or with mobility issues.
Lloyds Offers Support for Vulnerable Customers
Lloyds Banking Group previously stated it is contacting customers to inform them about alternative local banking services and to offer support for vulnerable customers. The company also confirmed that staff at the closing branches in Huyton and Kirkby will be offered a role at another branch or elsewhere in the business.
