SANTANDER bank has announced the closure of its branch in Droitwich meaning the town will have no high street branches when the firm shuts up shop.
The bank in Victoria Square will close but the firm has yet to confirm a date. It is one of 95 Santander branches set for closure in the UK following the firm’s recent announcement.
News of the closure has been met with a reprieve for local residents as it has also been announced the town is recommended to receive a banking hub – protecting access to financial services in the Spa town.
Santander announced the closures on Wednesday (March 19) in response to a change in banking habits in recent years. More are banking online than ever before and usage of branches remains low.
Despite this, there are many people still reliant on face-to-face banking services such as business owners and those without access to or understanding of modern technology.
According to Santander’s review of branches in 2021, 92 per cent of branch customers are using a variety of banking methods, 74 per cent of branch customers use online, mobile or telephone banking services, and 32 per
cent use other Santander branches.
The other nearest Santander branches to the one in Malvern are in Bromsgrove (6.5 miles away) and Worcester (6.7 miles away), both of which are more than a 30 minute journey from Droitwich via public transport.
A spokesperson for Santander UK, said: “Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.”
Mr Huddleston has told the Standard he will be meeting with officials from LINK, who determine a town’s eligibility for a banking hub, in the near future to discuss the progress of the service in Droitwich.
