Another bank closure as people "prefer to bank online"

TSB Bank in Middleton

TSB Bank in Middleton is among a number of branches around the UK to shut their doors for good this September, it has been confirmed.

Over 1,000 bank branch closures have been announced in the last 18 months around the country, with another wave coming this month.

The Middleton closure will be part of TSB’s move to close most of its branches – with 28 set to shut for good.

Rochdale Online News has previously reported on how the last Barclays branch in the Rochdale borough closed in April, with the nearest branches then being in Bury, Oldham or Manchester.

The Rochdale town centre branch of the bank closed one year after Barclays closed the Heywood branch, the last bank in the town.

Concern is now growing that there is a lack of in-person, high street services as banks move more and more into the digital world.
 

Read more: Last Barclays in Rochdale borough to shut as date given for Rochdale town centre branch closurePublished: 12 January 2024

 A Barclays spokesperson said at the time that visits are dwindling and that people “prefer to bank online.”

The added: “This is reflected at Rochdale, where we are delivering new ways to support our customers and the community with options for those who need in-person services.”

TSB bank has posted on its website: “We remain committed to face-to-face services through a branch network that covers the whole country, and over 90% of our customers are within a 20 minute drive to their closest branch, or the location of a Money Confidence Expert.

“To make sure our branch services reflect the current and future needs of our customers, we want to keep open the branches that are used the most.

"But sometimes this means that we have to close some branches or reduce our opening hours.”