This is just in..
Kathryn Kitson, head of branch network, said it had become clear the company had too many branches for the size of building society it is. “Since Covid, whilst some members have returned, many have not, leaving a number of our branches with very low levels of transactions and usage," she said.
"Therefore, we’ve made the hugely difficult decision to close 17 branches in locations where the level of activity in the branch has reached a point where it is no longer sustainable." The affected branch locations are: Ashbourne; Bourne; Crystal Peaks; Fakenham; Leicester City; March; Matlock; Melton Mowbray; Rothley; Scunthorpe; Skegness; Spalding; Stamford; Stapleford; Thetford; Wigston and Wollaton.
“We appreciate this is disappointing news for both the members who use one of the affected branches, and our colleagues who work there," continued Ms Kitson. "However, we have been thorough and considered when making decisions on which branches to close, trying to ensure there are options in place for more vulnerable members and also taking into account the impact on the communities our branches serve.
“The decision to close branches is never one that is taken lightly so our absolute priority is doing all we can to provide the best possible support for all those impacted by these changes.”