Three more branch closures were confirmed last week, which will impact the town centres of both Kirkby and Huyton
Huyton Village(Image: Andrew Stenning/Daily Mirror)
Thousands of people will be cut off from vital community services, according to a Merseyside MP, after Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) confirmed the closure of three more of its branches. Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley has expressed her “profound disappointment” about the closures, and called for an urgent meeting with the boss of LBG.
In a letter addressed to Lloyds Banking Group chief executive, Charlie Nunn (dated June 15), Ms Midgley asked the company to provide a justification for its decision to close three of its banks, including Lloyds Bank and Halifax branches in Huyton – scheduled to close in November – and Lloyds Bank in Kirkby, which will close in June 2027.
Ms Midgley 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 view of Kirkby town centre from the Lloyds Bank branch on Cherryfield Drive(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Responding to Ms Midgley’s concerns about branch closures in Huyton and Kirkby, a spokesperson for Lloyd’s bank confirmed it is in contact with the MP.
Specifically in reference to Kirkby, the spokesperson added: “With access to one of the biggest branch networks in the UK, alongside local banking options like the nearby Post Office, the Banking Hub in Kirkby once it is up and running, PayPoint, plus our leading apps and 24/7 messaging service, we offer our customers more choice and convenience than ever before.”
However, LBG did not directly address the questions raised about Huyton.
In an update to her constituents this week, Ms Midgley also highlighted the recent decision by LINK and Cash Access UK not to open a banking hub in Huyton.
In a letter addressed to LINK CEO Josh Howells, the MP highlighted “serious concerns” about the lack of accessible banking service for Huyton residents, and called on the company to reconsider its position.
Ms Midgley wrote: “Communities across Knowsley have seen a steady loss of high street bank branches in recent years, leaving residents, local businesses and community organisations with fewer and fewer options for face-to-face support.
“While I have welcomed the introduction of Banking Hubs in Prescot and Kirkby to soften the impact of these closures, Huyton has been overlooked, despite the closure of the final remaining high street banks leaving residents without services altogether.”
The Lloyds Bank branch in Huyton town centre (Image: Google)
She added: “It is increasingly clear that the cumulative impact of branch closures across Huyton has not been properly reflected in current banking provision. Residents have seen services disappear, yet no meaningful replacement has been put in place in a major town centre serving a large population.”
In relation to establishing a banking hub in Huyton, Ms Midgley said: “This would provide reliable access to cash and everyday banking services, support local businesses, and ensure that older and vulnerable residents are not left behind as the banking sector continues to move online.”
Responding to the ECHO‘s questions, and in reference to Ms Midgley’s letter, LINK confirmed it makes an assessment on access to cash, not access to banking.
LINK’s chief commercial officer, Dr Chris Ashton, told us: “It’s our job to carry out assessments when a bank branch closes or if people in the local community ask us to. This has led to a new banking hub in Prescot with a further hub set to open in Kirby in the near future. We publish the outcome of our assessments and any recommendations we make for new cash access services.
“Following bank branch closure announcements last week, based on the access to cash rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority, we are satisfied that the community continues [to] have good access to cash through the local Post Office and free to use ATMs. Communities can appeal and we have been contacted by Anneliese Midgley MP. We will review her response and reply in the coming weeks.”
LBG said it is contacting customers to let them know about the alternate local banking services available and to offer support for vulnerable customers. The company also confirmed staff at the branches in Huyton and Kirkby, will be offered a role at another branch, or in another part of the business.