Lloyds bank closes Chester-le-Street Front Street branch

The Chester-le-Street, Front Street branch, pulled down the shutters for the last time on Wednesday (January 14).

The closure has been put down to a shift to online banking.

Documents published last year show the Front Street branch welcomed an average of 1,120 customers on average per month.

The closest branch for customers can now be found in Houghton-le-Spring.

The closure, which was confirmed in September last year, left the town’s MP Luke Akehurst, “outraged”.

Mr Akehurst previously said: “I was informed by Lloyds Bank that they will be closing the Chester-le-Street branch in January.

“I am outraged that myself and other community stakeholders had no advance notice of this decision. 

“This will mean there is a significant reduction in banking services in Chester-le-Street which will disproportionately impact older people or those with disabilities who may already feel digitally excluded.

“I accept that banking needs are changing with many people now solely using online banking, but I am concerned about the impact on the high street.

“I will push for Chester-le-Street to have a banking hub, like the one in Stanley.” 

Here’s a list of all Lloyds banks which are closing in January:

• Alfreton – January 1
• Havant – January 1
• New Addington – January 1
• Mitcham – January 8
• Totnes – January 8
• Ammanford – January 12
• Bideford – January 13
• Fleet – January 13
• Ivybridge – January 14
• Lewes – January 19
• Swadlincote – January 20
• Hedge End – January 21
• Penzance – January 21
• Petersfield – January 21
• Hedon – January 28

However, Lloyds is not the only bank closing down branches – as a number of Halifax locations will also close for good this month.

They are:

• Havant – January 1
• Seaford – January 1
• Middleton – January 8
• Yeovil – January 12
• Wandsworth, London – January 15
• Deal – January 22
• Hastings – January 22
• Skipton – January 26