By John Baron
Lloyds Banking Group has today announced it will close 95 branches across the country – including the one at Bramley Shopping Centre.
The Bramley branch is scheduled to close on June 15.
A spokesperson for Lloyds said: “Customers want the freedom to bank in the way that works for them and we offer more choice and ways to manage money than ever before.”
More than 21 million customers use Lloyds’ apps as their main way to bank, the spokesperson added.
The decision has already been met with concern in Bramley and a petition has already been launched against the proposals.
One customer wrote on Facebook: “It’s a shame, you also have elderly people coming from Pudsey and Stanningley and also Farsley to use this bank.”
Another added: “Once again a bank is closing forcing residents to go online. I call that lazy banking. It’s a joke as it’s always busy in there.”
Another said: “This branch covers all of West Leeds, a massive area. I have a biscuit tin – maybe we will all go back to those days of money in a tin.”
Bramley & Stanningley councillors Tom Hinchcliffe, Adele Rae and Kevin Ritchie (all Lab) expressed their concerns. They said in a statement: “Local residents will share our deep disappointment at the proposed closure of Halifax in Bramley.
“In-person banking is an important resource for residents to access cash, speak with professionals about their financial situation and alleviate any concerns they may have, particularly our elderly residents. We are also extremely concerned about the impact of job losses this closure would have on local residents and our local economy.
“Since 2015, thousands of banks have closed branches across the country. This is unsustainable and will only negatively effect local residents and our shopping centre.
“We have written to Halifax to urge them to reconsider and to ensure that Bramley residents can continue to access their services whilst our dialogue continues.”
An online Labour Party petition opposing the closure has been launched.
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I’m so disappointed about the proposed decision about closing the Halifax Bank in Bramley!
I do use the banking app but if l have any problems l can go there to speak to someone about it.
Also there is staff there that have worked there for years., what will they do now? It’s discusting that again we are being forced to use the Internet, but some older people won’t know how. And where can they go for advice?
I am a pensioner and don’t want online banking. Halifax branches shouldn’t close because people like me need to have physical branches where we can go and talk to actual people and discuss any issues
It’s cos me mam owes ninety smackers
Hi not. Good they are also closein the Horsforth brach this month
Hi forgot to say we are meant to be getting a banking Hub in Horsforth