1 hour agoNews TopicsComments Off on Major bank to close 23 more branches this month in huge blow to UK high streets
A MAJOR bank is set to close 23 branches this month, as British high streets struggle to survive.
The first round of Santander’s closures is underway, after the bank announced in March of this year that they would be shutting at least 95 sites nationwide.
GettySantander is set to close 23 stores this month[/caption]
They cited the reason for the closures as customers moving increasingly online, reducing the need for in-person services.
A statement on its website reads: “We last did a major review of our branches in 2021.
“Since then, many of our customers are choosing to use Mobile, Online and Telephone Banking more, and branches less.”
However, there are concerns about the impact these closures could have on vulnerable people with limited access to online facilities.
Charities like Age UK are campaigning to maintain some in-person banking options, with 4 million older Britons unable to manage their finances online.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Physical spaces – whether a bank or building society branch, Banking Hub, or alternative suitable provision – must continue to exist so people can still carry out face-to-face tasks.
“The disappearance of face-to-face banking risks cutting a significant minority of the older population out of an essential service, making it difficult if not impossible for them to manage their money and maintain their independence.”
The only alternative is ‘Banking Hubs’ which have been launched to give customers access to cash and services, regardless of which bank they are with.
In addition to the 95 closures countrywide, Santander will also be making changes to surviving branches.
This includes reduced opening hours, converting some to ‘counter-free’ businesses, and opening work cafes.
These ‘work cafes’ provide free co-working spaces, bookable meeting rooms and banking facilities, available to anyone, even if you aren’t a Santander customer.
The closures are part of a wider financial shift in which banks are prioritising online services.
According to consumer group Which?, more than 6,300 bank and building societies have closed since January 2015.
This averages out to 53 store closures per month.
GettyBanks have reduced in-person services as customers move online[/caption]
Other major banks have also made the decision to close a number of branches, with 102 set to close across different banks this month.
This includes major providers like Lloyds, Natwest and Halifax, in addition to Santander’s closures.
Meanwhile Nationwide has promised to keep its nearly 700 branches open until the start of 2028 as they claim more customers are visiting their stores.
Santander is set to close even more stores over the coming months, with the dates of 18 branches still yet to be announced.
Reduced hours will come into effect on June 30, with 36 stores affected.
1 hour agoNews TopicsComments Off on Coronation Street’s dramatic new look for David Platt’s house revealed after the old one burned down
CORONATION Street viewers have been given a first look at David Platt’s newly revamped house – after the old one was destroyed in a dramatic fire.
The fresh makeover comes after a huge blaze tore through the iconic Weatherfield property, leaving it completely gutted.
ITVThe Platt house was set ablaze destroying everything inside[/caption]
ITVBut now the new revamped interiors has been revealed[/caption]
Now, the famous cobbles home has undergone a striking transformation – and fans are already buzzing about the bold new look.
The new interiors are also set to pave the way for explosive storylines, as life at No.8 takes a dramatic turn.
Next week on the ITV soap, Corrie crook Lou Michaelis (Farrell Hegarty) is caught red-handed snooping where she shouldn’t – and fans are left wondering if she’s nabbed a wad of cash.
The troublemaker clocks a bulging envelope of money stashed in Shona Platt’s (Julia Goulding) bag during a boozy toast led by Nick Tilsley (Ben Price).
Seizing her moment, Lou slips away into the Platt house – and it’s not long before temptation gets the better of her.
Just as she toys with swiping the stash, Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) bursts in and demands Lou empty her pockets, fearing the worst.
But did Lou actually nick the cash – or is she about to talk her way out of another sticky situation?
Spoiler pictures reveal the new revamped No,8 with new decorative paintings on a painted grey wall.
The new door, stairs and banister are made of wood with clear panels and there is new laminate flooring in the living room and kitchen.
The cosy living room has a new velvet sofa with patterned cushions, beige curtains and a glass square coffee table.
The kitchen has new table tops, blinds and other essentials.
There is a new dining table with brown leather chairs flaunting an art deco style for a modern touch.
It’s a fresh start for the Platts – but will it last?
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX.
ITVNo.8 Coronation Street has a whole new look[/caption]
ITVThe new interiors brings a modern feel[/caption]
ITVAnd paves the way from brand new explosive storylines[/caption]
Who lives where on Coronation Street?
Here is where all of the residents of Weatherfield's main street live
1 Coronation Street – The Barlow family (Ken, Tracy, Steve, Amy)
3 Coronation Street – The Bailey family (Aggie, Ed, Michael)
5 Coronation Street – The Winter-Brown family (Gemma, Chesney, Joseph and the Quads)
7 Coronation Street – The Alahan family (Dev, Asha, Aadi)
9 Coronation Street – The Dobbs family (Tyrone, Fiz, Evelyn, Cassie, Hope, Ruby)
11 Coronation Street – The Grimshaw family (Eileen, Todd, George, Mary, Sean, Dylan)
13 Coronation Street – The Webster family (Kevin, Abi, Jack, Alfie)
15a Coronation Street – Dee-Dee Bailey and Adam Barlow
2a Coronation Street – Craig Tinker
4 Coronation Street – The Metcalfe family (Sally, Tim)
6 Coronation Street – The Nazir family (Yasmeen, Alya, Stu, Eliza)
8 Coronation Street – The Platt family (Gail, David, Shona, Max, Lily)
1 hour agoNews TopicsComments Off on Dublin salvage point at the death with last second equaliser by Kate Sullivan against Waterford
A LAST-SECOND equaliser from Kate Sullivan salvaged a draw for Dublin in a cracking TG4 All-Ireland SFC opener with Waterford in Dungarvan.
Despite the absence of top scorer Kellyann Hogan, the Déise led 1-13 to 1-11 with two minutes left.
Hannah Power put in a player-of-the-match performance at midfield, captain Emma Murray was magnificent in defence and attack while Bríd McMaugh kicked four points.
But the home side could not hang on for their first ever senior Championship win over the Dubs as a Hannah Tyrrell free and that buzzer-beater from Sullivan levelled the contest.
And Dublin joint-boss Paul Casey was just glad to salvage a point.
He said: “We’re extremely relieved. One thing we always ask this group is to fight to the end and they did that.”
A bizarre own goal from Sinéad Goldrick saw Waterford enjoy a 1-6 to 0-7 advantage at half-time.
The experienced defender bungled a back-pass to Abby Shiel and the ball ended up in the back of the net.
On the restart, Déise skipper Emma Murray won a turnover at one end and slotted a point at the other.
Tyrrell brought the sides level on 32 minutes at 1-7 apiece when she finished low under home keeper Katelyn Gardner.
Emma Murray added her second point from play before Tyrrell dummied and pointed.
The teams were level six times in the second half. Katie Murray and Lauren McGregor edged the hosts 1-13 to 1-11 ahead with time almost up.
But Dublin did not panic.
Tyrrell converted a late free and while Power won a huge kickout for the hosts, the Sky Blues retrieved possession and Sullivan got her kick away just before the full-time hooter.
Deise chief Tomás Mac An t’Saoir moaned: “I’m disappointed we didn’t see it out.
“We squeaked ahead towards the latter stages. We were two points up, we just didn’t get over the line.
It was a tough start to the All-Ireland campaign for both sides as it finished 1-13 to 1-13
“A couple of decisions didn’t go our way but that’s football.”
WATERFORD: K Gardner; A Murray, R Casey, C Murray; Á O’Neill, K McGrath, L Ní Arta; E Power, H Power; K Murray 0-1, E Murray 0-2, B McMaugh 0-4; L McGregor 0-2, 1f, C Walsh 0-1, C Fennell 0-3f.
Subs: L O’Shea for Fennell 52mins, Á Power for Ní Arta 52, M Dunford for McMaugh 55, C McCarthy for Walsh 55, L Mulcahy for A Murray 60.
DUBLIN: A Shiels; J Tobin, L Caffrey, N Crowley; H McGinnis, M Byrne, S Goldrick 1-1 OG; N Hetherton, É O’Dowd; A Timothy 0-1, A Curran, S McIntyre 0-1; C Rowe 0-1, H Tyrrell 1-5, 4f, K Sullivan 0-4.
Subs: R McDonnell for Timothy h-t, N Owens for Rowe 42, C Darby for Curran 43, C Fox for McIntyre 55.
1 hour agoNews TopicsComments Off on Newdegate youngsters Charlie, Joshua and Hunter ‘amazed’ to end up on front page of The West Australian
Copies of The West Australian were flying off the shelves in Newdegate on Monday after three local kids decked out in West Coast and North Melbourne gear were photographed for the front page.
1 hour agoNews TopicsComments Off on Galvin ends month of headlines with try in Bulldogs win
Lachlan Galvin's much-publicised Canterbury arrival has ended with him scoring a try while playing halfback for the last 23 minutes of a win over Parramatta.
1 hour agoNews TopicsComments Off on Inside the £100milllion beachfront attraction with indoor gardens and pools set to transform seaside town
NEW images have revealed what to expect from the huge new Eden Project attraction.
The Morecambe attraction is set to open in 2028, after being forced to delay its initial 2026 opening date.
Grimshaw GlobalNew images have revealed what the Eden Project Morecambe attraction will look like[/caption]
Eden ProjectThemed areas will include huge garden and forests[/caption]
Eden ProjectThe zones will be within three huge domes[/caption]
More images have since been released by architects Grimshaw to show what it will look like when it opens.
The huge dome like structures is being dubbed a “global garden” overlooking the bay.
The unusual shaped resort has been “inspired by seashells” and will have a number of themed areas.
The Realm of The Sun is a tropical area while the The Realm of the Moon is a “dark space”.
A central attraction will be a 65ft The Elder Tree sculpture, along with tidal rock pool exhibits.
Huge tropical gardens and a “hyper-real forest” are also expected to be part of the attraction.
Jolyon Brewis, Partner at Grimshaw, told the BBC: “Influenced by the natural rhythms of Morecambe, two extraordinary structures – the Realm of the Sun and the Realm of the Moon – will define this destination.”
Two other realms will also be on-site with more to be revealed nearer the time.
Andy Jasper, chief executive officer of the Eden Project, said: “This project is profoundly important to us all.
“It is not just a project for Morecambe, but for the whole of the UK, and we are delighted to share how the design process is progressing.”
An official opening date and ticket prices are yet to be confirmed although the original Eden Project ticket cost around £38 per adult.
Originally called Eden Project North, Eden Project Morecambe was first given the go-ahead back in March 2023.
Previous plans revealed it is set to cost £100million to build.
The new attraction which hopes to welcome 760,000 people a year, follows the success of the original Eden Project in Cornwall which opened in 2021.
It has even hosted famous acts such as Elton John, Lionel Richie and Kylie Minogue.
Eden ProjectMore is to be revealed about the other zones[/caption]
And a number of other new Eden Project attractions are set to open in the UK.
1 hour agoNews TopicsComments Off on Britain’s ‘cheapest chippy’ selling fish & chips for just 45p – but you’ll have to be quick
FISH and chip lovers have the chance to enjoy their favourite treat for an astonishingly cheap price soon – but for a very limited time only.
FacebookMother Hubbard’s first ever store opened in Bradford back in 1972[/caption]
FacebookMother Hubbard’s fish and chips[/caption]
Mother Hubbard’s, often branded the country’s most famous chippy, is offering a limited-time price to mark the opening of a new branch in Coventry.
Customers can enjoy a traditional fish and chips for just 45p when the city centre store opens on June 14.
The exclusive offer pays a special homage to the iconic chippy’s history.
Mother Hubbard’s first ever store opened in Bradford back in 1972, and has since expanded across the country.
But back when the Bradford chippy opened, the price of a classic fish dinner would sell for 45p.
It’s for this reason the store has set its special new offer at that price.
But customers will have to be quick if they want to take advantage of the deal.
The new Coventry store will sell fish and chips at this price just to the first 1,000 customers through its doors on opening day.
It means anyone looking to cash in on the deal will likely have to get to the store as quickly as possible.
The chippy will hold its grand opening on Saturday, June 14 – with doors opening at 11am.
The new Coventry Mother Hubbard’s told social media followers: “Exciting news, Coventry!
“Get ready to dive into nostalgia as Mother Hubbard’s lands in Coventry!
“Join us on Saturday, June 14, for our grand opening and snag some classic fish and chips for just 45p—the original 1972 price-for the first 1000 guests!
“Don’t miss this tasty blast from the past! Join us for a celebration filled with delicious bites and the essence of classic English cuisine.”
Mother Hubbard’s website says: “Fish and Chips are loved by every generation. Are you looking for crispy batter on the tastiest fish, succulent chips & perfect mushy peas?
“Look no further than Mother Hubbard’s and indulge in the finest traditional fish and chips in the area.
“The First Mother Hubbard’s fish & chips restaurant on Ingleby Road, Bradford, was completed at a cost of £92,000 in 1972.
It was opened on May 3, 1972 by Coronation Street favourites, Stan and Hilda Ogden. At that time, fish and chips were served at just 45p per portion.”
1 hour agoNews TopicsComments Off on Ballerina’s Box Office Collection: It Is Already Ana de Armas’ Most Successful Movie in a Lead Role
A lot of expectations ride on Ana de Armas’ Ballerina. Many franchises cannot survive the spin-off stage, burning out before they can expand. Although John Wick is one of the most beloved action series in the genre, it was also at risk of failing when the film was first announced. Along with this, female-led films […]
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Віталій Козловський / © instagram.com/vkozlovsky_music Український співак Віталій Козловський отримав серйозну травму коліна. У своєму фотоблогу виконавець поділився прикрою новиною. Віталій зазначив, що нещодавно на одному з музичних фестивалів сильно вивихнув коліно. Це трапилося просто під час виступу. Після цього він вимушений носити спеціальний бандаж для колінного суглоба. За словами співака, це дозволить убезпечити його від […]
