Halifax starts branch closures

Bank of Scotland Ireland's retail arm Halifax will close half of its branches at 5pm today.

The remainder of branches will close next Wednesday.

Halifax credit cards will cease to work from today. All credit-card customers who have not closed or cleared their accounts will be moved to a revised payment scheme.

Customers who are in arrears have been advised to contact the bank to discuss options. These may include coming to agreement on a new payment plan, for those who can clear their debt.

For those who cannot clear their debt will have their debts transferred to a special debt-collections unit.