Santander to Close Formby Branch – The Last Bank in the Village

March 19, 2025 – Formby is set to lose its last remaining bank as Santander announces the closure of its Formby branch on August 11, 2025. This marks the end of high street banking in Formby, forcing customers to either switch to online banking or travel to nearby towns for in-person services.

Santander is shutting 95 branches across the UK, citing the rise in online banking as the main reason. The shift to digital transactions has led to a significant drop in footfall, making traditional branches less viable, according to the bank.

What This Means for Formby

With Santander’s closure, Formby will no longer have any bank branches. This is a major change for local residents, particularly elderly customers and those who rely on face-to-face banking for deposits, withdrawals, and financial advice.

While Santander has pledged to introduce “community bankers”—staff who will visit local areas on a weekly basis in venues like libraries—this is a limited alternative to a full-service branch.

For those who still need access to banking services, the Post Office in Formby can process deposits and withdrawals for most major banks, offering a lifeline for those who need to manage their finances in person.

Santander’s Statement

A spokesperson for Santander said:

“Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision, and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.”

However, the closures also mean staff redundancies, with around 750 employees at risk across the UK.

No Plans for a Banking Hub in Formby

Some areas losing branches have been earmarked for banking hubs, shared spaces where multiple banks provide in-person services. However, Formby is not currently included in the list of recommended locations for a banking hub, leaving residents with fewer local banking options.

What Next?

With banks like Lloyds and Barclays already having shut their doors, Santander was the last remaining bank in Formby. Its closure is another blow to the village, leaving many to rely solely on online banking or travel to Southport or Liverpool for face-to-face services.

Will the lack of banks in Formby affect you? Do you think a banking hub should be introduced? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.