Your Skipton Radio

6:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Bruno Mars

Just The Way You Are

Listen Live Podcasts

Skipton MP 'disappointed' over latest bank closure

Monday, 29 September 2025 09:25

Sir Julian Smith MP

Sir Julian Smith MP says the decision by Halifax to close its Skipton branch will be a "blow" to many residents who rely on face-to-face banking.

Sir Julian has expressed his disappointment following the announcement we brought you last week that the bank's High Street branch will close on 26th January 2026.

He said:

“This decision will come as a blow to many residents in Skipton, particularly older and vulnerable customers who rely on face-to-face banking.

“While I understand the increasing shift towards digital banking, it is vital that those who still need in-person support are not left behind.”

Halifax says the closure is due to declining in-branch usage, with most customers opting for mobile, online, or telephone banking. People are being instead directed to Skipton Post Office for over the counter services from next January.

A report shows 367 customers were regularly using the Skipton branch of Halifax - either the counter or the deposit machine - for four months out of six in the period between December 2024 and May 2025. It says most (60%) of these customers were aged over 55. Around a quarter were aged over 75. Just 12% were aged under 34.

The nearest Halifax branch following the closure will be on Low Street in Keighley. The Halifax cash machine in Skipton will also be decommissioned, leaving only one on the High Street - at NatWest across the road.

More from Local news

Skipton poet releases book featuring a rhyme a day to capture life in Skipton

Susan Armstrong-Finnerty (The Cosmic Rhymer) posted a rhyme a day online in 2024 and has now published the full collection.
Flash sale on Northern train tickets ends today

Last call for £2 tickets! Northern's Flash Sale ends today - including routes to and from Skipton.
“I wouldn’t survive without the support from the Sue Ryder team”

The comment from an Addingham Moorside resident as she shines a light on the Community Day Services at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice – a team dedicated to helping people with life-limiting conditions to live well every day.
Skipton to feature in Channel 5 programme this evening

Skipton will be featured in an upcoming episode of Yorkshire Great and Small with Dan and Helen this evening.
Changes to Skipton recycling centre opening times

Household Waste Recycling Centres across North Yorkshire – including those in Skipton – moved to their winter opening hours today (Wednesday).
Expansion of funded childcare to help county's working parents

Working parents in North Yorkshire are being urged to sign up to benefit from a greater amount of childcare that is on offer across the county.
Silsden Town Hall wins social enterprise award

Silsden Town Hall has been named Social Enterprise of the Year at the 2025 Keighley & Airedale Business Awards
Skipton leisure hub officially joins Active North Yorkshire

Active North Yorkshire announced today its official involvement with the hub in Skipton.
Cross Hills tap room wins Pub of the Season award

The Keighley & Craven branch of CAMRA has announced its Autumn 2025 Pub of the Season award.
Skipton man jailed after spitting at police officers

A man from Skipton has been jailed for two years and three months following a series of incidents in the town.
Skipton BID take on new executive from Harrogate

Skipton BID welcome Ed Horner who joins the team in a new role - Projects and Communications Executive.
Pumpkin pottery workshop coming to Skipton next week

Create and cast your own pumpkin pot, terrazzo mini pot & marbled coaster with a new workshop coming to Skipton on Friday 10th October.
Run Bolton Abbey to return to Skipton this November

Run Bolton Abbey 2025 is set to return this autumn.
Police appeal for information on wanted man who could be in Skipton and the surrounding areas

Wanted man could be in Skipton, Ripon, Harrogate or the Bramley/Stanningley area of Leeds.
Man sentenced after horrific 'one punch' incident

A man has been sentenced after a horrific 'one punch' incident in Skipton last year.
Skipton a 'top destination' in Northern Flash Sale

Northern has launched a Flash Sale with three million tickets for journeys across the North of England available from just £2.
Skipton performing arts student enters the Big Brother house!

A former performing arts student from Craven College has entered the Big Brother house, with episodes airing every day on ITV2.
Free doorstep collection launched to save your pre-loved items

Skipton residents can now book free doorstep collection to give their unwanted items a new home, thanks to North Yorkshire County Council in partnership with Anglo Doorstep Collections.
13th Addingham Beer Festival this weekend

The Addingham Beer Festival returns for its 13th year at Addingham Memorial Hall this weekend, Friday 3rd and 4th October 2025.
Tree Planting at Addingham Moorside part of White Rose Forest

MP Robbie Moore has visited Addingham Moorside to celebrate the latest round of tree planting delivered by the White Rose Forest, part of England’s Community Forests network.