HALIFAX is closing the doors to one of its branches in Basingstoke, as part of parent company Lloyds Banking Group’s (LBG) plan to cut 29 stores across the country.

The Malls branch will shut in mid-June, LBG have confirmed to The Gazette this week.

LBG said the majority of workers will be redeployed to nearby branches. 

The property lease on the branch is also due to expire, which was another factor in the group’s decision to leave The Malls.

A LBG spokesman said: “In October 2014 Lloyds Banking Group announced its latest strategic review which outlined a programme of planned branch closures between 2015 and 2017. 

“As part of this review, we can confirm that the group will be closing 29 branches during June this year. 

“In many cases this is due to an overlap of branches in these towns, and in some cases we are addressing reduced demand levels.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that these changes may cause, and have informed customers of the closest alternative branch.

“Branches will continue to play an important role in our multi-channel approach to meeting customer needs and we expect to continue to have the biggest branch network in the UK.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council own The Malls shopping centre, which opened in 1981. The council’s property manager Mike Bovis said:

“While we are aware that Halifax have been notifying their customers of their intention to close their branch in The Malls we haven’t yet received formal confirmation of their intention to leave.

“As and when Halifax vacates we will of course work towards re-letting the unit as soon as possible.”

Halifax customers’ nearest branch will be in Wote Street. 

County councillor Criss Connor said: “The bus system is not always good at getting people around so it will be difficult for some people to get to the other branch. 

“Not everyone wants to use the internet and internet banking, because people are concerned with the recent problems that have occurred with security. 

“This is not surprising news, banks are always looking at saving. They destroyed the country in the past and are trying their best to look after their money.”