New York State

We don't expect adults to hand over their belongings, just because someone else wants them.

‘There were thousands of people coming down Carnaby Street and pushing into each other.'

The City star enjoyed Saturday's red card at the Emirates.

Carragher isn't happy about this.

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs has commented on Thulani Serero's move to Cape Town City.

Media personality and founder of Inua Dada Foundation Janet Mbugua has opened up about the challenges her organization is facing following U.S. President Donald Trump’s suspension of USAID funding. The funding freeze, which took effect on January 20, 2025, has disrupted key programs in various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across Kenya, including those focused on healthcare, […]

Pope Francis has asked Catholics to pray for him, as he continues to receive treatment in a hospital for double pneumonia. The pontiff was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second Sunday running. But in a message written over the last few days, he said he was “confidently continuing” his […]

Fortnite players have criticized a new major skin bundle in Chapter 6 Season 2 over it’s “expensive” V-Bucks price.

A MAP has revealed where Lloyds Banking Group is shutting 20 branches next month.

In line with many other UK banks, Lloyds and its subsidiaries are increasingly focusing on a shift towards digital banking.

As a result, the banking group will be closing 20 branches across England and Scotland next month.

Lloyds Bank is closing 13 locations, including branches in Surbiton, Newquay and Ealing, between March 3 and March 31.

Halifax will shut an additional six sites, with closures in Portsmouth, Camberley and Didcot scheduled between March 4 and March 27.

Meanwhile, Bank of Scotland will close a single branch in Montrose, Angus, on March 10.

Last month, the banking giant announced plans to enable customers to access services at any branch regardless of which brand they bank with.

For example, this means that a Lloyds Bank customer will be able to access the same services when visiting Halifax and Bank of Scotland branches, and vice versa.

Lloyds has also stated that increasing its mobile app user base is a key priority, and recently highlighted the development of updated mobile apps for Halifax and Bank of Scotland.

Since June 2022, Lloyds Banking Group has shut 537 bank branches across its three brands.

A further 203 branches are set to close by 2026.

The banking group currently operates out of 932 branches across the UK, according to trade union Accord.

What’s happening at other banks?

Customers are increasingly turning to online banking to manage their finances while banks and building societies look for ways to cut costs.

Since 2022, UK bank branches have seen widespread closures, with Barclays leading the way with 394, followed by Lloyds Bank (270), NatWest (243), and Halifax (197), according to ATM operator LINK.

Looking ahead to 2025, Lloyds Bank has the most planned closures (97), significantly more than Halifax (80) NatWest (54), Bank of Scotland (26) and TSB (11).

Several banks, including HSBC and Nationwide have no current plans to close further branches in 2025.

What to do if your local bank is set to close

There are still a number of ways people can access basic banking services without having to venture to another town with a branch.

You can use one of the Post Office’s 11,684 branches to perform basic banking tasks — but not to open new bank accounts or take personal loans and mortgages.

You can find your nearest Post Office branch by visiting postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder.

Meanwhile, many banks offer a mobile banking service – where they bring a bus to your area offering services you can usually get at a physical branch.

Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services.

It’s worth contacting your bank to see what mobile services they have available, and when they might next be in your area.

New super ATMs are being rolled out across the UK where branch closures have left residents unable to access essential banking services.

These ATMs will allow customers to withdraw funds, access their balance, change PIN numbers and deposit cash.

Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank are already signed up to allow deposits, at the super ATMs.

Banking hubs are also being opened across the UK with 250 set to be available by the end of 2025.

These sites typically feature a counter service operated by the Post Office as standard, enabling customers to conduct routine banking transactions conveniently.

Each hub also has a private area where customers can consult with staff representing their banks for more complex matters.

A NEW pub and restaurant has just opened its doors in the heart of Glasgow.

The Noble is the latest venture run by the Superlative Collection – the expert team behind the likes of The Duke’s Umbrella, Gōst and Blue Dog – to serve up pints and plates to customers.

Located on the city‘s Bothwell Street, the idea is to re-imagine the classic British pub, taking an elevated yet unpretentious approach to hospitality.

And we were invited along to try out one of the airy, relaxed spot’s new signature dishes – the Glasgow Pie.

The playful menu has been dreamed up by kitchen boss John Molloy.

It’s a real mix of serious, high brow dishes next to Scottish casual classics with the likes of oysters sitting alongside a roll on square slice sausage with brown sauce.

But the star of the show is undoubtedly the Glasgow Pie, which is a magical mash-up of Scottish and Indian culinary cultures.

I wish my pal had captured the look of delight on my face as I saw the plate heading towards our table – my eyes were as big as, well, pies.

The dish consists of an aromatic and perfectly spiced chicken tikka curry topped with flack pastry and served with basmati rice and crisp poppadoms.

The curry itself packs a real punch, heavy with spiced while avoiding being too hot.

Meanwhile, the pastry top is that perfect combo of crisp and soggy.

While the rice and poppadoms are clearly the side show, they’re also really well cooked and help balance the richness of the rest of the meal.

I have honestly never had anything like it and I’m a bit sad that it’s taken me to the ripe age of 45 to experience what is surely to become a classic on the Glasgow eating scene.

Now open to the public, The Noble – which draws inspiration from the historic Noble House, a docklands tavern where everyone, from dockers to dukes, was welcome – will be open daily from 9am until late.

And there’s a bold claim on the breakfast menu which claims to include the ‘best bacon roll in Scotland’.

Thick cut smoky bacon is served with slow cooked pork belly in a buttered milk bun. I feel like this is a challenge I’ll have to take on next.

Director of food, John Molloy, says: “The Noble offers a brand new experience to Glasgow’s bustling city centre – all the character and comfort of a classic British pub, but with a hint of elegance that’ll really set it aside.

“We’ve taken a playful route with the menus, which feature nostalgic snacks and elevated pub classics with a Scottish flair. I can’t wait to welcome people of Glasgow and beyond through the doors of our public house, The Noble.”