More East Sussex Bank Branches To Close This Week

Several more bank branches across East Sussex are closing this week, prompting concerns about the impact on older residents and local businesses.

Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed that its Lloyds branch in Lewes will shut on Monday, alongside the Halifax in Seaford.

The Halifax in Hastings will then close on Thursday. The group says the closures reflect changes in how customers manage their money, with more than 21 million people now using banking apps.

Ashley Price, former president of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, says the closures could have a significant effect on the town.

He warns customers may face longer queues at remaining branches, and that access to cash could become more difficult.

Lewes resident Michael Holmes also expressed concern, saying the closure will make banking harder for elderly people, those with disabilities and anyone without a smartphone.

Lloyds Banking Group says customers can still access services at any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, as well as through the Post Office, banking hubs and more than 30,000 PayPoint locations for cash deposits.

With the closure of Lloyds, Nationwide will become the last remaining dedicated bank branch in Lewes.

The building society has confirmed it plans to keep its Lewes branch open until at least 2030, saying branches remain vital for customers and high streets.

The latest closures come as Lloyds Banking Group prepares to shut dozens more branches across the UK over the next two years.