Campaigners have failed to save the Hyde branch of Santander bank after it closes its doors for good.  

In March 2021, the lending giant announced plans to shut down the local branch, which was met with protest from residents and Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds.  

On the decision, Reynolds MP added: “I’m sad and angry that Santander are today closing their Hyde branch, despite my strongest possible calls to reconsider. Banks should not be allowed to do this without first consulting communities.  

“Customers are advised they can do their Santander banking at the Post Office. There are some great little businesses brightening up Hyde; I’m frankly raging this makes life harder for them, as well as for older and vulnerable customers.” 

Branch transactions at Santander fell 33 per cent in the two years before the pandemic, declining a further 50 percent in 2020.  

The dramatic change in people’s banking habits influenced the bank to close the Hyde branch on July 15. 

Adam Bishop, Head of Branch Interactions said: “Branch usage by customers has fallen considerably over recent years so we have made the difficult decision to consolidate our presence in areas where we have multiple branches relatively close together.  

“We are providing every support to customers of our closing Hyde branch to find alternative ways to bank with us that best suit their individual needs.” 

The nearest Santander branch for those in Hyde is now located at 66 Old Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6 6BQ. 

Whereas the nearest Post Office branch is 30 - 32 Market Place, around a minute’s walk from the closing branch. 

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