A new map highlights over 30 bank closures in Devon, including three in Plymouth, raising concerns about access to banking services.
Plymouth: Over 30 banks have closed in Devon recently, including three in Plymouth. A new map shows where these closures happened. Since 2022, more than 1,600 banks have shut down across the UK. This includes over 100 closures planned for this year alone.
In Devon, 31 banks closed before New Year’s Day 2025. Plymouth lost three banks, with the latest being the Lloyds branch on Wolseley Road, which closed in January last year.
Other closures include Lloyds in Plympton and NatWest at St. Andrews Cross. No more bank closures are scheduled in Plymouth this year, but the situation could change.
Nationwide, 35 banks have closed or will close by the end of January. In 2025, around 120 branches have already shut down or announced future closures. Last year, over 400 banks closed, and the trend continues.
Since February 2022, 1,649 bank branches have closed or announced plans to close. That’s about 44 closures each month. The LINK initiative aims to help vulnerable customers and small businesses during this shift to digital banking.
When communities lose their local banks, banking hubs or free ATMs are set up to help. The closures affect all parts of the UK, with over 1,300 banks lost in England alone.
Age UK warns that the loss of face-to-face banking could hurt many elderly people. They may struggle to manage their money without local services.
Charity director Caroline Abrahams emphasizes the need for physical banking services for those who can’t bank online. She calls for more shared banking hubs in areas losing branches.
LINK’s Adrian Roberts notes that while digital banking is on the rise, many still rely on cash. Access to cash must remain available even as branches close.
Cat Farrow from Cash Access UK shares that they are working to open more banking hubs. They recently opened their 100th hub in Lancashire, with plans for more this year.
Devon Bank Closures include Halifax in Bideford, Lloyds in Plympton, and more. Plymouth Bank Closures include Lloyds and NatWest branches.
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