Lloyds bank closure in Marlborough 'disgusts' residents

The Lloyds bank branch on Marlborough High Street will close its doors permanently on November 25, after the banking group confirmed 176 closures nationwide.

Lloyds is the last standing bank on the town’s main street following the departure of HSBC in 2017 and Barclays in 2021.

But in eight months the historic building will be left empty.

Locals have voiced their frustration at the announcement on social media, claiming the lack of brick-and-mortar banks will have a significant impact on elderly people.

Andrew Enright said: “Banks are still needed. Not everyone banks online, or uses cards, and some people like using cash which they would rather withdraw from a cashier and not a cash point.”

Lloyds Bank (file photo) (Image: PA)

Another resident, Jen Bell, added: “I think it is absolutely disgusting.

“A lot of the older generation don’t use mobile phones and don’t know how to do mobile banking, some of them just don’t want that.

“They want to be able to speak to a person if anything goes wrong, there should be at least one bank in every town or post office.”

Others believe most of the public no longer requires physical banks.

“I can't remember when I last went in a branch of my bank and I suggest the vast majority of people are the same”, said Rachel Hardwick.

James Richardson agreed support should be provided to help people adapt to online banking.

He added: “Even cheques can be scanned in on the banking app, post office accepts cash deposits for your bank, I hate to say it for the naysayers, but is the value of the high street bank over?

“Cheques are still popular in the 65+ age group, I understand that, so different demographics need help in different ways, and no one should be left behind, but encouraged to move with times.

“I think more help and education on how to carry on making payments is what’s important.”

The Lloyds bank branch in Marlborough (Image: Google Maps)

Lloyds Banking Group insisted most customers in Marlborough are accessing banking services online.

A spokesperson said: "Before we close any branch, we look at how our customers are managing their money and using the branch.

"Most customers are now using our mobile app, internet banking or calling us instead, which means they are using branches, including the Marlborough branch much less.

"This means we'll be closing our Marlborough branch."

A community banker will remain in the area one day a week to support customers after the closure.