A BANKING giant has announced its departure from a town’s high street as branch visits fall and customers move to online banking.

Halifax has confirmed that its branch on King Street in Whitehaven will close on April 9, 2024.

It is one of a number of banks to leave the town after NatWest departed in March this year and HSBC shut its doors in September 2022.

A Halifax Bank spokesperson: “As many customers now choose to bank online or through their mobile app, visits to our Whitehaven branch have fallen over recent years.

“The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs, alongside other ways to bank such as online, phone and mobile banking services.”

Halifax say 77 per cent of its personal customers already use other ways of banking, such as mobile, internet or phone banking, as well as other branches.

The nearby Post Office, at 10-11 King Street, offers personal and business customers everyday banking services, access to cash, paying in of cheques, and more. The nearest free-to-use ATM is 0.03 miles walk away.

Customers are advised that they can use any Halifax branch for their banking, alongside other options such as the Post Office, online, mobile and telephone banking.

In the run up to the branch closure, branch staff will be on-hand to offer support and guidance.

After the branch closes, a community banker visit the area to offer face to face targeted support for as long as the community needs it. 

Halifax will discuss with local communities which locations would be appropriate for the community banker to set up in, and on which days.