Santander is set to close nine branches this week, with 14 more shutting later this month. The first wave of Santander’s closures is under way, after the bank announced in March of this year that it would be shutting at least 95 sites nationwide.
A statement on its website said: “We last did a major review of our branches in 2021. Since then, many of our customers are choosing to use Mobile, Online and Telephone Banking more, and branches less.” Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Physical spaces – whether a bank or building society branch, Banking Hub, or alternative suitable provision – must continue to exist so people can still carry out face-to-face tasks.
“The disappearance of face-to-face banking risks cutting a significant minority of the older population out of an essential service, making it difficult if not impossible for them to manage their money and maintain their independence.”
Over the past few years, bank and building society branches have been disappearing from our high streets at a frightening pace. Which? has been tracking bank branch closures from major account providers in the UK since 2015.
Barclays is the individual bank that has reduced its network the most, with 1,216 closures in total.
Here is the full list of Santander closures next week:
Clacton – 16 June
Croydon 128 NE – 16 June
Gateshead Metro – 16 June
Launceston – 16 June
Peterhead – 16 June
Arbroath – 17 June
Kilburn – 17 June
Louth – 17 June
Torquay – 17 June
Kidderminster – 18 June