**Lloyds Bank Announces Closure of 27 Branches in May — Including Two in South Wales**
Lloyds Bank customers across the UK are set to face significant changes this spring as the banking giant proceeds with the closure of 27 of its branches throughout May. Among those affected are two branches in south Wales, located in Pontyclun and Whitchurch, Cardiff. The closures reflect an ongoing national trend away from traditional in-person banking and towards the increased use of digital services.
According to recent figures from consumer watchdog Which?, more than 6,300 bank and building society branches have shut their doors across the UK since January 2015. This equates to an average of 53 closures each month. The move has drawn criticism from some quarters, with particular concern over the impact on older and vulnerable customers who may depend heavily on face-to-face banking.
A spokesperson from Lloyds Bank commented, “Most customers are now using our Mobile Banking app, Internet Banking or calling us instead. This means they are using branches less.” The rise in digital banking has been dramatic, with over 20 million Lloyds customers now accessing their accounts online or via mobile devices.
However, the shift to digital services is not unique to Lloyds. Other major banking groups have made similar announcements in recent months. NatWest, for instance, plans to close 53 of its branches in the first half of 2025. Barclays intends to shutter 99 branches by the year’s end, and Santander is looking at 95 closures. Lloyds itself has additional closures scheduled later in the year, with a minimum of 48 branches expected to cease operations in 2025.
The full list of Lloyds Bank branches set to close in May includes locations across England and Wales, with dates ranging from the 6th to the 29th. In Wales, the Pontyclun branch will close on 12 May, followed by the Whitchurch, Cardiff branch on 29 May. Other towns impacted include Bromsgrove, Matlock, Southampton Shirley, Bishop Auckland, and Godalming, among several others.
For many communities, the loss of a local branch can be more than just an inconvenience. Physical banks provide essential services, including cash withdrawals, bill payments, and financial advice. Recognising this, a number of ‘Banking Hubs’ have been established around the country. These hubs allow customers from any bank to access a range of basic banking services, regardless of who they bank with. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the strain caused by branch closures and ensure continued access to face-to-face assistance, especially for those less comfortable with digital banking.
Nevertheless, there remain pressing concerns around the pace and scale of these changes. Age UK, a leading charity for older people, has voiced strong reservations, warning that the closure of branches risks cutting off a significant portion of the elderly population from essential financial services. Their research estimates that over four million older individuals with bank accounts do not use internet banking. Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, praised the decision to introduce shared banking hubs but stressed, “It’s important that alternative services are set up speedily, especially in those areas with the greatest need. 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 rapid transformation of high street banking is undoubtedly driven by changing consumer habits and the widespread adoption of digital technology. For many, the convenience of online and mobile banking is a welcome development. For others, especially those without reliable access to digital tools or the internet, the closure of traditional bank branches presents a significant challenge.
As the banking sector continues to evolve, striking the right balance between digital innovation and the preservation of community access will remain a central issue—particularly for those most at risk of being left behind in the digital age.
The full list of Lloyds branch closures in May can be found on Lloyds’ website. Customers are encouraged to check for updates, seek advice on alternative service options, and locate their nearest Banking Hub if their local branch is among those closing.