Fears over more bank closures

SANTANDER TAKEOVER OF TSB SPARKS CONCERN

- By RICHARD AULT and KATIE TIMMS

BANKING giant Santander is on the brink of buying rival TSB - prompting fears that Plymouth’s TSB branch could be at risk of closure.

Analysis of company data shows there are at least 70 towns and city centres around the UK where both banks currently operate branches less than a mile apart.

In Plymouth, there are Santander and TSB branches directly opposite each other on Armada Way. Customers leaving the TSB branch are separated from the rival bank by only a few yards, raising fears that it may be first in line for closure after the takeover.