Lloyds Banking Group to close 79 more branches as high street banking retreat continues

Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to close a further 79 bank branches over the next year as lenders continue to reduce their presence on Britain's high streets.The latest closures will affect 48 Halifax branches and 31 Lloyds Bank locations across the UK.The move represents another significant reduction in the group's branch network and will affect communities in dozens of towns and cities.Lloyds Banking Group, which owns both the Lloyds Bank and Halifax brands, said the changes reflect the increasing number of customers choosing to bank online and through mobile apps. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The North West and South East will be the hardest-hit regions, with each losing 12 branches.London is set to lose 10 branches under the latest programme of closures.The announcement follows a separate decision in February when Lloyds Banking Group confirmed plans to close a further 95 branches.Once the newly announced closures have been completed, the group will operate 531 branches across Britain.MORE TO FOLLOW Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter