The Worsley and Eccles MP, Michael Wheeler has shared his concerns as the Eccles Halifax branch is set to be permanently closed.
The branch on Church Street will close its doors at the start of next year, leaving many residents in the Eccles area frustrated.
The closure is a part of an official statement from Lloyds Banking Group, which Halifax is under said they are to shut at least 292 of their bank branches across 2024 and 2025.
The Eccles Bank has released a statement informing the public about why they are closing, it said: “Most customers are now using our Mobile Banking app, Online Banking, or calling us instead.
“This means they are using branches, including our Eccles Church Street branch, much less.”
The decision to move to online services has left many residents very upset, including Michael Wheeler MP who said: “I am extremely disappointed that Lloyds Banking Group has taken the decision to close the Halifax branch in Eccles Town Centre.
“This is the last remaining branch in my constituency, and the closure follows closely the removal of Halifax branches from Swinton and Irlam.
“It is worrying that customers will now have to travel to Salford Shopping City from the western side of Salford to their nearest Halifax branch.”
A further 119 branches will be closed across the country by the end of 2025, and with the rapid decline in branches Michael Wheeler MP said: “I have written to Lloyds Banking Group and met with representatives from the group to raise my concerns.
“They tell me that it was a commercial decision.”
I have been informed by Halifax that their branch in Eccles is going to close on 7 January 2025.
I am writing to Halifax today to raise serious concerns about access to banking in the constituency, especially following the recent closure of the Swinton Branch. pic.twitter.com/DEe45hTZVa
— Michael Wheeler MP (@MWheelerMP) September 12, 2024
The bank told the local MP that “regular in-person banking customers should have received a letter providing advice and offering support to access online services.”
The closure has led to a lot of frustration with one local resident sharing on Facebook: “Why keep doing this shutting vital resources that residents of Eccles use some people like to withdraw their money as well as pay in their wages.”
With another saying: “Feel sorry for the older folk who can’t use apps and online banking.”
However, he was quick to reassure residents that they can access their bank accounts via their local Post Office.
And whilst this option may not be the perfect solution for many, he added that the Labour Government are looking to find more ways to support residents.
As he continued: “Labour has pledged to open 350 new banking hubs in towns and villages across the UK over the next give years.
“I support this policy which is much needed after approximately 6000 bank and building society branches being closed since 2015.”
With the closure date set for January 7 2025, he added that he has been in contact with the banking group to contact the landlord and the future of the building.
He intends to discuss the future use of the building, as he continued: “It is vital that this central building is part of the plans to regenerate Eccles Town Centre and provide top-quality facilities for local residents.”
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