Halifax announces closing date for Newton Aycliffe bank branch

The banking giant has revealed it will close its branch in Newton Aycliffe.

If the plans go ahead the branch on Beveridge Way will pull down the shutters for the final time on September 6.

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It follows Santander, TSB and Barclays who have all closed branches in Newton Aycliffe in the last five years.

Figures from Halifax show that only 55 customers used the branch regularly in the year to October 2022, with 81% of customers also using online or telephone banking.

In a statement Lloyds, which owns Halifax, said: “The Halifax branch in Newton Aycliffe will be closing on 6 September 2023. We will be writing to customers about this shortly.

“Our customers have more choice than ever in how they bank with us and are increasingly using digital banking to manage their money. We now have over 20 million digital users and visits to some branches have fallen by as much as 69% over the last five years.

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“We will support all customers who regularly use this branch, and they will receive a letter with details of alternative ways and places to bank with us. We will also try and speak to our vulnerable customer to discuss how else we may be able to help. We will continue to ensure access to cash is maintained.  

“There are no job losses as a result of this closure. All colleagues affected will be offered roles at other branches or in other parts of our business.”

The closure means Halifax customers will have to travel more than 5 miles away to the company’s nearest branch in Bishop Auckland.

Reacting to the closure MP Paul Howell said: “I am sad to hear of the closure of the Halifax Branch in Newton Aycliffe Town Centre and although it’s reassuring to hear there will be no job losses because of the branch closure, I can appreciate it may be an uncertain time for the Newton Aycliffe staffing team.”

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Plans are now being introduced for a shared banking hub in the town which typically include basic banking services with counter services run for the major banks by the Post Office, and dedicated rooms where customers can meet community bankers from their own bank.

It becomes the latest branch in the region to be earmarked for closure with nine other sites set to close this year.

Barclays will close its Front Street branch in Stanhope next month on April 21.