Why the big banks are saying goodbye to suburbia

Next week the boss of one of the UK's largest banking groups will descend on Manchester, to celebrate the opening of the first of Lloyds' new super-size branches. At more than 15,000 sq ft (1,394 sq m) - and at a cost of £3m - it is the bank's most expensive branch ever, and a likely blueprint for other British cities. But while Antonio Horta Osorio will be all smiles, some of his customers may have mixed feelings. Banks may be investing heavily in mega branches in the centre of cities, but those in the suburbs are disappearing fast. In Manchester at least 23 suburban bank branches have closed - or will close - in 2017 alone.