Calderdale Council’s Reform leader Dan Sutherland said Lloyds Banking Group’s relationship with Halifax as a place would remain “strong and enduring”.
“We know the Halifax brand is important for many generations of local people who care about the town’s heritage and are proud of the brand’s part in our local traditions, family history and Halifax’s profile across the world,” he said.
“We are reassured Lloyds has made it very clear the business is absolutely committed to the town, having recently invested £116m into a major transformation of the iconic head office building at Trinity Road, to make it fit for the future.”
Calderdale Labour Group said the bank was “part of our town’s identity and heritage”.
In a statement, the group said: “For generations, local people have been proud of the name and what it represents.
“While we welcome the commitment to keep branches open and protect customers’ accounts, many residents will be saddened to see such an iconic name disappear from our high streets.”
Luddenfoot Labour councillor Scott Patient said he feared the move might be “more damaging to [Lloyds] than they realise”.
“I feel with one hand they giveth, and with the other hand they taketh away,” he said.
“I think once you have something that’s existed for that long, there’s a real sense of pride, that we’re a place, not just a bank.”
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