Stevenage MP reacts to closure of Halifax branch

MPs for Stevenage and Letchworth are "disappointed" with the decision to close Halifax branches in both towns.

Lloyds Banking Group announced yesterday (January 29), that branches in Letchworth's Commerce Way and Stevenage's Queensway are among the 61 closing down between May this year and March 2026.

Letchworth's store is set to close on June 3 this year, while the Stevenage branch will stay until October 23. 

The closure plan will bring the Lloyds brand down to 386 branches, and Halifax down to 281 branches.

Cost cutting and customers opting against in-person banking are being cited as reasons for the closure, but Stevenage MP Kevin Bonavia is far from happy with the decision.

"I am deeply disappointed to hear that, in following the national trend of banks leaving their physical premises on high streets and shopping centres, constituents who use the Queensway branch will also no longer be able to access the Halifax store towards the end of the year," he told local residents

"Whilst I do understand the large shift towards online banking, it remains the case that a significant amount of my constituents still prefer to navigate their banking in person - especially some of my older residents who don't use as much technology."

Mr Bonavia also revealed that MPs were informed of the decision just hours before the announcement, adding: "I think it's a shame that MPs were only informed of this merely hours before it was announced to UK wide media, and that we did not see the 'thorough assessment' that was carried out by the banking group on the impact on customers.

"Given the chance to meet before the decision was taken, and not offered a meeting after the fact, I would've consulted residents myself and set out what would likely be a strong case to keep the site open.

"I'll be setting up a meeting regardless, to scrutinise the plans to help customers adapt and represent my constituents views.

"Please email me on kevin.bonavia.mp@parliament.uk if you'd like to share your thoughts."