‘As if we haven’t had enough kicks with M&S going and now the last bank, it’s unbelievable’
It comes as part of a second wave of Halifax closures announced, with Cleveleys on the list to close its doors on October 1.
It is the last remaining banking facility on the town’s high street and MP Lorraine Beavers has vowed to fight for a banking hub.
They blamed the decision to shut the branches on customers shifting away from banking in person to using mobile services.
Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers said: “I’ve just been told about the halifax in Cleveleys shutting in October.
“This is a devastating blow to our community, where many vulnerable, elderly, or digitally excluded people rely on the in-person banking services.
“As the MP, I know this is true, not only because of the hundreds of comments from constituents since the announcement, but from our casework too.
“At my office we regularly hear from and support constituents struggling to access online services, including banking and this isn’t just the elderly. In a time where we are increasingly
told to be cautious of scams and protect our personal data, many constituents of all ages rely on in-person support and reassurance to safely access online services.
“The closure will also remove five cash machines from our high street, further impacting the
accessibility of cash and banking in Cleveleys.
“Link, the body responsible for coordinating Banking Hubs state that Cleveleys is not eligible due to the Banking Hub located in Poulton-le-Fylde. I will be appealing this decision as it is
clear to our community that this is not an accessible alternative for many.
“Access to in-person banking and cash remains a necessity for many people and alongside appealing, I will be working in Parliament.”
In the run up to the branch closure, branch staff will be on hand to offer support and guidance and after it closes a local Community Banker will provide face-to-face services to customers including making payments, account enquiries and online banking support.
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They will discuss with local communities which location would be appropriate for our Community Banker to set up in, and on which days.
A Halifax spokesperson: “With access to one of the biggest branch networks in the UK, alongside local banking options like our Community Banker in Cleveleys, the nearby Post Office, PayPoint, plus our leading apps and 24/7 messaging service, we offer our customers more choice and convenience than ever before.”
Customers will be contacted to let them know about alternate local banking servies and staff will be offered roles at another branch or in another part of the business.
Despite the widespread closures of branches by other banking organisations in recent years, Halifax managed to keep branches open longer than any of its counterparts.
The branch at Poulton Street in Fleetwood was the last one standing in the town before it too closed last year, on June 25, while the St Annes branch closed its doors earlier on June 12 and was similarly the town’s last remaining bank outlet.