'Real concern' - Fears grow that closure of banks in Chichester and Bognor will leave elderly and vulnerable people in the lurch

The Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed the closure of another six branches across Sussex and Surrey.

The latest cut will see 95 UK branches of Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland shut their doors permanently between May 2026 and March 2027.

A total of 53 Lloyds branches, 21 Halifax branches and 11 Bank of Scotland branches will be affected by the closures.

A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson: “Customers want the freedom to bank in the way that works for them and we offer more choice and ways to manage money than ever before.

"From our leading apps and 24/7 messaging service to local banking options like our Community Bankers, PayPoint and access to all of our Lloyds and Halifax branches, we're giving our customers the flexibility to bank wherever and whenever they need us.”

The Lloyds Bank branch closures include Crowborough in East Sussex (June 9, 2026) and two Surrey branches: Staines-upon-Thames (June 1, 2026) and Redhill (May 29, 2026).

Among the list of Halifax closures are three West Sussex locations: Chichester (June 1, 2026), Horsham (June 2, 2026) and Bognor Regis (June 15, 2026).

Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller said: “Residents locally will share my frustration that Halifax has chosen to close its Chichester branch.

“Face-to-face services are essential for older residents, vulnerable customers and local businesses that rely on cash.

“The erosion of in-person support is a real concern for our local community and I’ll be writing to Halifax asking what support they will make available."

Alison Griffiths, MP for Bognor and Littlehampton, said she was ‘deeply disappointed’ by the decision to close the Halifax branch on London Road.

She added: “While I recognise that more people are choosing to bank online, physical branches remain vital for many residents, particularly older customers and small businesses who rely on face-to-face services.

“While the bank has said customers will be able to carry out everyday banking at the nearby Lloyds branch, I remain concerned about whether this will genuinely replicate the full range of services currently available in Bognor Regis. I will be raising these concerns directly with the bank and seeking clarity on exactly what services will and will not be available locally.

“I will also continue pressing for stronger and more meaningful alternatives, including enhanced banking hub provision.”

After we shared the news of the planned branch closures on Facebook, Observer readers have voiced their fears for the future.

Yvonne Norris wrote: “The staff at the Chichester Halifax are amazing and sorted out a very difficult issue I had. Without their help I don’t think I would have sorted it out. Sometimes you need real people.”

Lynne Mitchell said: “Where are we supposed to go? We are not all on the net/web.”

Michele Sarson commented: “I don't think anyone is happy with this decision...least of all the customers, devastating for the staff being moved about like pawns. Rethink, reset and reverse, please.”

Gillian Hall said she has ‘always found the staff very helpful’ at Halifax, adding: “I am old and very much regret the continuing loss of human contact in many aspects of life.”

Jeremy Chirat said the Chichester Halifax is in a ‘beautiful building’, adding: “I hope the town planners respect the use of this East Street gem.”

Caroline Coe said she banks with Halifax in Bognor, adding: “I feel safe getting money out from the ATM inside.”

As reported by our parent title National World, Lloyds did not confirm the number of jobs that would be affected by the closures, but said that those impacted by the shut down of branches would be offered a role at another branch or elsewhere in the company.

This is the latest closure announcement from the banking company. Lloyds previously announced that 49 branches would close by October, following on from the closure of 136 branches around a year ago.

The banking group is accelerating plans to cut costs and digitise the bank.

The closure plan comes weeks after Lloyds shook up its branch business to allow customers of Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to use stores across any of its brands for in-person banking.

Lloyds blamed the decision to shut the branches on customers shifting away from banking in person to using mobile services.

Cash access network Link said that 14 new locations will receive a banking hub in order to protect customers’ access to cash across the country. These ‘banking hubs’ are shared space operated by staff at other banks on different days, but which allows customers to access services such as withdrawing or depositing cash and paying bills.