Santander To Close in Leighton Buzzard
The Leighton Buzzard branch of Santander is to close as part of a 44 branch closure plan. Closing branches will be replaced by Community Bankers, operating either from a Santander Local or, where required, a Banking Hub, to provide ongoing face-to-face support for communities. ATM network Link have said that they propose making Leighton Buzzard its 250th banking hub location.
Santander have cited the changes in customer banking behaviour as the reason behind the closures which has followed the pattern of other banks.
Changing customer behaviour
Santander has seen a rapid increase in customers choosing to do their banking digitally, with 96% of all transactions now being completed in digital channels1. Since 2019, there has been a 64% rise in digital transactions, while financial transactions completed in branches reduced by 66% in the same period. Over the last year alone, there has been a 13% decrease in the volume of financial transactions taking place in branch.2
In addition, since 2019, the bank has seen3:
- 83% of current accounts opened digitally
- 67% increase in mobile banking users
- 109% increase in mobile banking app transactions
- 70% increase in mobile logins
A spokesperson for Santander UK, said: “In response to a continuing and sizeable shift towards customers using digital banking, we are making changes to our branches to better support our customers. We will continue to invest in both our branch network – comprising of full-service branches, counter-free branches, reduced-hour branches, Santander Locals, and our increasingly popular Work Cafés – as well as our digital banking services, so we can be there to support our customers however they choose to bank with us.”
Balancing digital investment with human connection
All Santander current and business account holders can also bank using one of over 11,000 Post Office branches nationwide and more than 200 Banking Hubs. All branches that are closing are within 1.4 miles of the nearest Post Office.
Nationwide Building Society are still in Leighton Buzzard and assured their customers that they would still be open until at least 2030.
- Beat the Heat – 9 Indoor Activities Near Leighton Buzzard
When it is just to hot to contemplate the great outdoors here are some places to step inside Bee Local Tip: Historical buildings are often a lot cooler. Bletchley Park… Read more: Beat the Heat – 9 Indoor Activities Near Leighton Buzzard - 20 Brilliant Days Out Within One Hour of Leighton Buzzard
From wildlife encounters and historic houses to beautiful countryside walks, bustling market towns and fascinating museums, our area is surrounded by fantastic attractions waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re entertaining… Read more: 20 Brilliant Days Out Within One Hour of Leighton Buzzard - Wild Wood Adventure Playground now open at Waddesdon Manor
After 10 months in the making, Waddesdon Manor’s spectacular new Wild Wood Adventure Playground is now open for families to enjoy, just in time for the school holidays (from Saturday… Read more: Wild Wood Adventure Playground now open at Waddesdon Manor - MP Welcomes End To “Daft” policy.
TAP ON, CAP OFF – LOCAL MP WELCOMES NEW RULES FOR BETTER BEDS BUSES Your bus ticket will soon work across all local buses, fixing a top gripe for local… Read more: MP Welcomes End To “Daft” policy. - PLUG IN, POWER UP: DIY SOLAR PANELS TO CUT ENERGY BILLS – MP WELCOMES
Families across Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Houghton Regis and the surrounding areas will soon be able to cut their energy bills with new plug-in solar panels. From 27 August, the likes… Read more: PLUG IN, POWER UP: DIY SOLAR PANELS TO CUT ENERGY BILLS – MP WELCOMES
