'That’s awful!' - anger as last bank in town near Bristol set to close

The last remaining bank in a town near Bristol has announced plans to close.  

The Halifax branch on the High Street in Keynsham is set to shut its doors on January 14, 2025.    

Following the closure, a new ‘banking hub’ is set to open in the Keynsham area after being recommended by ATM network Link.      

The hub will have a traditional banking counter, run by the Post Office, where customers can conduct transactions.   

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

“Customers can continue to manage their money online, by calling us, in person at the Kingswood branch, at the local Post Office on the High Street, or at the Banking Hub once it is up and running.”

In Facebook comments, people have reacted with disappointment to the closure. 

“That's a shame, there's always customers in there,” wrote one person.  

A second added: “Sadly my parents don’t even use the internet so they’re going to have problems trying to use no banks. Cash is king. This is stupid!”   

While a third simply wrote: “That’s awful!”  

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Following the news about the closure, Link has confirmed that the town will benefit from a new banking hub as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash.  

The hub will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.   

There is no date yet for the opening of the hub, with Cash Access UK set to work with the community to find a location, obtain planning permission and recruit staff.  

Nick Quin, head of financial inclusion at LINK said: “We are pleased to recommend this new banking hub for the local community in Keynsham.  

“Many people are reliant on cash, and it is essential that we preserve access to cash and the opportunity for basic banking for communities across the UK.

“We are certain that this new hub will secure these services for the residents of Keynsham.”