Second bank to close its Wisbech branch in the New Year

January 22 next year will be a dark day for bank users in Wisbech with a second banking firm announcing it will close its branch

Hours after it was revealed Lloyds Bank is closing its North Brink branch on January 22 a second imminent closure has come to light with news Halifax will close its Market Place branch on the same date.

Like Lloyds, the Halifax is blaming a fall in use of the branch with figures produced in support of its decision to close, showing just over a third of customers have visited the closing bank in the 12 months to April this year.

Regular monthly branch usage saw 464 customers make across-the-counter transactions or make use of the immediate deposit machine in four out of six months up to April 2024.

Customer transactions in the branch have fallen by almost 60% between April 2019 and April this year, and the number of cash machine users has dropped by 41%.

A letter announcing the closure said: “Before we close any branch, we look at how our customers are managing their money and using the branch.

“Most customers are now using our mobile banking app, online banking, or calling us instead. This means they are using branches, including our Wisbech branch much less. Because of this, we'll be closing our Wisbech branch.”

It is encouraging customers to sign up for online banking and to download the bank’s app, and added: “Branch colleagues will support you to get started with our mobile banking app and online banking.”

Halifax customers should be able to use the Post Office for their everyday banking needs once the branch has gone..