A Whitley Bay councillor has expressed concern over the announcement of a second bank closure in the town in three months.
Halifax and Lloyds announced the closure of 40 branches across the country, including the Halifax branch on Park View, Whitley Bay. This branch is set to close on June 21.
It comes after HSBC announced it will close a branch in Whitley Bay at the end of last year as part of 114 branch closures across the UK. It is due to close its doors on May 2.
Read More: 'I don't want empty shops to be blighting Whitley Bay' - Councillor decries HSBC branch closure
A Halifax spokesperson said: “Visits to our Whitley Bay branch have fallen over recent years, as many customers now choose to bank in different ways. When the branch closes in June, customers can continue to bank in person with us at our North Shields branch, or the local Post Office on Whitley Road.
"The nearby Post Office, which is a five minute walk away at 205 Whitley Road, offers personal and business customers everyday banking services, access to cash, paying in of cheques, and more.
"Customers can use any Halifax branch such as North Shields for their banking, alongside other options such as the Post Office, online, mobile and telephone banking. We’re contacting customers to let them know about the alternate local banking services available."
According to Halifax, branch transactions at the Whitley Bay branch have also fallen over 71% between 2017 and 2022.
Labour councillor John O'Shea said: "It is a bit of a concern given that HSBC had announced closing down in the area. For me, it is a real problem for account holders who want face-to-face service.
"I think particularly for elderly people who rely on that. I am really disappointed that Halifax has decided they will close the branch.
"It may leave a derelict building but I am hopeful that the building will be developed quickly."
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