Thu, 23 Oct 2025

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 Is Yorkshire turning into a banking desert?

In-person services are returning after widespread closure of traditional bank branches.
In Yorkshire, many small towns have lost their last bank branch over the past decade due to customers increasingly managing their finances online. This has left residents with limited access to in-person banking services, forcing them to travel long distances or rely on unreliable public transportation. According to Age UK Sheffield, older people are disproportionately affected by the closures, as they may struggle with mobility issues and lack of access to basic amenities like toilets while traveling. In-person banking is seen as essential for this demographic, allowing them to maintain control over their finances and receive personalized support. People with disabilities also face difficulties due to the closure of bank branches, as phone and online banking can be challenging or inaccessible for those with hearing or visual impairments. To address this issue, banking hubs have been established across Yorkshire, providing over-the-counter services and access to representatives from multiple banks. These hubs are run by local Post Office managers and offer a convenient alternative to traditional bank branches. Residents in towns like Wetherby, which recently opened its first banking hub, appreciate the initiative but also express concerns about the limited opening hours and availability of specific bank representatives.
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