Businesses and MP hit out at bank branch closure

Two Lloyds bank branches in Surrey are set to close on Monday, with one town set to lose its last remaining branch.

The closures in West Byfleet and Staines will take place as part of changes to the bank's network.

Woking MP Will Forster has said the changes mean West Byfleet will no longer have any bank branches, and he has raised concerns about access to in-person services for residents and local businesses.

A spokesperson for Lloyds said customers wanted the freedom to bank in the way that worked for them and the bank offered "more choice and ways to manage money than ever before".

Forster raised concerns in March that the closure could leave West Byfleet without access to face-to-face services, describing the risk of a "banking desert".

He called for a review into establishing a banking hub, where different banks offer services, rotating during the week.

The UK bank and building society sector has seen widespread branch closures in recent years, as many customers have switched to online and mobile banking.

In West Byfleet, resident Norah Holder, 88, said the closure was "diabolical" for an area with many retirement developments, adding: "We don't even have a Post Office."

Ancy Fenton, who runs a gifts and lifestyle shop, said that for many people, especially small businesses and elderly residents, banking was not "just about apps".

"Sometimes you need to go and speak to a real person," she said.

Dennis Macco, who owns a hair salon, said it was "tough", adding: "I like to see people when I go into a bank. It keeps the community thriving."

He said it would be "brilliant" to make a banking hub work.

Cecilia Scott, a 51-year-old teacher, said older people "really want to see somebody in person".

She said it would affect businesses and put people off living in the area, adding: "You've got the train line, you've got the supermarket, you've got the doctors, you've got the pharmacists, you've got all your hairdressers, restaurants, everything that you need, and what's required is a bank."

Lloyds said when a branch closed, staff visited each location and assessed the impact of closure.

An independent cash access assessment takes place before a closure, and the bank writes to customers who visit regularly.

The spokesperson said: "In addition to our app, customers can use the local Post Office to manage their money and deposit cash at PayPoint locations or use any Lloyds or Halifax branch for their banking.

"We're giving our customers the flexibility to bank wherever and whenever they need us."

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