Stuart Clarkson

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

Squeeze

Tempted

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 Business Awards finalist and sponsors to appear on Your Skipton Radio

In the build up to The Skipton Business Awards 2026, listeners of Your Skipton Radio will be hearing from sponsors and finalists across all categories.
Drug dealer jailed after being stopped near Silsden

A drug dealer who ran a county lines operation supplying cocaine, ketamine and cannabis has been jailed after being stopped on the A629 between Silsden and Keighley.
White Stuff set to open on Skipton High Street

The national store is opening a new store in Skipton.
66 Sheep Street tease opening with success of 'The Hatch'

66 Sheep Street recently shared they would be opening their bakery and bistro this month.
Festival crowds expected to make Leeds station busier than ever

Rail passengers travelling through Leeds are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys over the bank holiday weekend.
Skipton's new independent veterinary practice announces opening date

An independent veterinary practice will open its new Skipton branch next month.
Dog bus vandalised in attempted overnight theft

A distinctive yellow bus used to transport dogs across Ilkley and surrounding areas has been vandalised during an apparent attempted theft.
Julian Smith MP presses Government on rural crime, farming support and fertiliser supplies

Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith has raised a series of questions in Parliament about issues facing farmers and rural communities across the constituency.
Everything you need to know about Skipton Live

Skipton Live will bring two days of live music to the town over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Railway station's beer festival to start next weekend

A weekend of steam trains, real ales and live music is coming to the Yorkshire Dales as the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway gets set to host its Branch Line Weekend & Beer Festival.
Silsden green grocers and deli shortlisted for Keighley & Airedale Business Award

Silsden greengrocer and deli has been shortlisted for a Keighley & Airedale Business Award.
North Yorkshire Council chief executive to retire after almost 40 years

North Yorkshire Council’s chief executive Richard Flinton has announced he will retire from his role at the end of March next year.
Skipton MP backs tougher social media restrictions for under-16s

Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith has reiterated his support for Government plans to ban children under 16 from using social media.
Luke’s Big Push gets underway as Skipton team takes on 130 mile challenge

A team of volunteers has set off from Skipton as Luke’s Big Push gets underway, with supporters backing the latest fundraising challenge for Thisisluke.
New guided walking tours launched in Skipton

A new guided walking tour is giving visitors and local residents the chance to discover more about Skipton, from its historic castle and famous market to the town’s canal and hidden stories.
New family-run restaurant to open in Skipton

A new family-run restaurant is preparing to open in Skipton town centre.
New road at Kex Gill opens to traffic

The new A59 route at Kex Gill has opened to traffic following the largest highways project ever undertaken by North Yorkshire Council.
Developer ordered to remove unauthorised Silsden woodland works

Unauthorised works to a Silsden woodland area need to be removed, and 100 trees planted in their place – a planning inspector has decided.
North Yorkshire Police recruiting volunteer officers

People across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to join North Yorkshire Police as volunteer police officers.
Olympic star Freya Anderson to inspire young swimmers in Skipton

Olympic swimmer Freya Anderson is set to visit Skipton next month for a special session with young swimmers.