Banks Announce 24 Branch Closures Across UK in November Including Somerset

In November, 24 bank branches across the UK will close, continuing a trend of shrinking physical banking locations. Lloyds Bank leads the pack with 16 branch closures in key cities such as Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield, and one in Somerset. The closures will impact towns across England, Scotland, and Wales.

The first closure begins on November 3 with the Bank of Scotland branch in Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway. Additional branches in locations including Coventry, Bedfordshire, Hounslow, and Plymouth will shut in the following days, with closures continuing throughout the month.

This wave forms part of a wider banking transformation — more than 6,500 branches have closed since 2015, representing two-thirds of the branches open a decade ago. On average, about 53 UK branch closures occur every month, with over 500 expected to close this year alone. Many more closures are scheduled for next year.

Reports attribute the decline primarily to changing consumer habits favoring online banking and digital payments. However, industry factors such as reduced earnings for ATM operators also contribute. The reduction in cash and branch availability heavily affects vulnerable groups, including the elderly, the digitally excluded, and low-income individuals. Businesses also face challenges processing cash, potentially leading to a move away from accepting cash payments altogether.

To mitigate the impact, banking groups have agreed since February 2022 to assess every closure carefully. Initiatives like LINK work to ensure access to cash for vulnerable customers by establishing free ATMs, banking hubs, and maintaining Post Office banking services where necessary. LINK’s chief commercial officer, Chris Ashton, emphasized their commitment: “When any bank branch closes or a community requests it, we recommend new services to protect access to cash, including banking hubs and Post Office enhancements.” To date, 246 new services have been recommended.

Gareth Oakley, CEO of Cash Access UK, highlighted ongoing efforts to balance the digital shift while supporting those reliant on cash and basic banking services. Nearly 200 banking hubs and over 100 deposit points have been established, with about two hubs opening weekly. Oakley hopes to see the 200th hub open before Christmas.

Below is the full list of UK branches scheduled to close this November:

Lloyds Bank: Biggleswade, Blandford Forum, Bristol (Bishopsworth - Church Road), Chard, Coventry (Foleshill), Debden, Dunstable, East Grinstead, Feltham, Ferndown, Hexham, Manchester (Newton Heath), Plymstock, Pontardawe, Sheffield (Woodhouse), Shipston-on-Stour

Halifax: Bolton, Hexham, Wickford

Bank of Scotland: Moffat, Thornhill

NatWest: Garstang

Santander: London (Rotherithe Road)

As UK banking continues its digital evolution, these closures mark a significant shift while efforts remain underway to ensure communities are not left behind.