Lloyds is set to close one of its County Durham branches in a matter of months - leaving the town’s MP “outraged”.
The high street bank has announced its Chester-le-Street Front Street site will be one of 49 branches closing across the UK.
The closure date, which has been confirmed as January 14, 2026, comes amid a swathe of branch axes as firms switch towards online banking.
North Durham MP Luke Akehurst said he is concerned of the closure’s impact on the high street, especially those with disabilities or who feel “digitally excluded”.
He said he will now push for Chester-le-Street to have its own banking hub.
However, as things stand, cash access network Link has not recommended the provision of any new services, saying the town has facilities “suitable for the needs of the area.”
All staff impacted by the closures across the country will be offered roles at another branch or part of the business, Lloyds said.
A full statement from Mr Akehurst said: “Yesterday I was informed by Lloyds Bank that they will be closing the Chester-le-Street branch in January 2026.
“I am outraged that myself and other community stakeholders had no advance notice of this decision.
“This will mean there is a significant reduction in banking services in Chester-le-Street which will disproportionately impact older people or those with disabilities who may already feel digitally excluded.
“I accept that banking needs are changing with many people now solely using online banking, but I am concerned about the impact on the high street.
“I will push for Chester-le-Street to have a banking hub, like the one in Stanley."
A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson added: “The way people are banking has changed, with over 21 million customers choosing our apps to manage their money.
“We’re providing more choice than ever before, bringing together the best in digital convenience with our people.
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“Alongside our app, our customers can use any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, the Post Office or banking hubs for their everyday banking, and deposit cash at over 30,000 PayPoint locations.”
The group will close 26 Lloyds branches, 10 Halifax and 13 Bank of Scotland sites as part of the latest announcement.
It will be left with 705 branches – 359 Lloyds, 269 Halifax and 77 Bank of Scotland.
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