Santander announces fresh batch of branch closures
Closures affecting Worcestershire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Devon, and Cornwall announced
Santander has announced plans to close six branches across the South West in 2026 as part of wider changes to its UK network.
The high street lender revealed it will shut 44 branches nationwide during this restructure, citing changing customer behaviour and a shift towards digital services as the reason behind the decision.
Local closures here are scheduled as follows:
- Evesham, Worcestershire, on 28th April 2026
- Bridgwater, Somerset, on 29th April 2026
- Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, on 12th May 2026
- Redditch, Worcestershire, on 13th May 2026
- Newton Abbot, Devon, on 19th May 2026
- Liskeard, Cornwall, on 20th May 2026
Santander said it is adapting its services to better meet customer demand by providing alternatives such as Community Bankers operating from Santander Locals or Banking Hubs. Santander Locals are staffed spaces in community locations, such as libraries, where customers can receive help with money management and general banking support. These are designed for areas where a branch has closed but demand remains, and no Banking Hub has been established.
The bank also confirmed following the changes, its UK network will comprise 305 branches, which include full-service branches, counter-free branches, reduced-hour sites, and Work Cafés. These hubs offer traditional banking services, alongside co-working spaces and free event areas aimed at local communities and businesses.
Changing customer behaviour
Santander has observed significant shifts in how customers access banking services. In recent years, digital transactions have risen by 64%, while in-branch financial transactions have dropped by 66% since 2019. Currently, 96% of all transactions are completed digitally.
Investment in services and staff
Santander is investing in modernising its network, with plans to refurbish over 30 branches in the next year and complete updates to 80% of its network by the end of 2026. Updates will include digital self-service rooms for privacy and specific teams, as well as enhanced ATM technology.
The bank has also added new features to its mobile banking app in response to feedback from its seven million digital customers, including transaction search functions and customisable homepages.
For employees impacted by these closures, Santander said 291 workers are at risk of redundancy but will offer redeployment opportunities, outplacement support, and access to a 24-hour helpline.
Supporting vulnerable customers
Santander said it will assist potentially vulnerable customers impacted by the closures by proactively contacting them via phone. A dedicated number (0330 678 2469) will be available for those seeking help about the closure impact, including alternative banking methods such as digital, telephone, or Post Office services.
All branches closing are within 1.4 miles of the nearest Post Office, and all current account holders can use one of 11,000 Post Office branches nationwide or more than 200 Banking Hubs.
A Santander spokesperson 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 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.”