LLOYDS BANK’S CEO has responded to local MP Harriett Baldwin over questions on the opening hours of Upton-upon-Severn’s last bank.
Harriett has written to Lloyds chief executive António Horta-Osório asking him to look into the impact the changes to branch opening hours may have on local businesses.
Earlier this month, Harriett also passed on a petition signed by local residents and traders who are unhappy with the way Lloyds Bank has handled the issue.
Harriett commented: “I have raised local people’s concerns following on from a series of letters that I sent earlier in the year including asking Lloyds to investigate a frequent problem with the availability of the bank’s cashpoint machine.
“The chief executive assured me personally that the branch will remain open and that it has recently installed a new cashpoint machine to ensure that local people are able to access cash.
“I am told that the level of demand for services does not justify keeping the branch open throughout the week but the management is working with the local post office to make sure that people are able to offer banking services when they need them. Ultimately this is a commercial decision for Lloyds.
“However, this is not an ideal situation and I would remind local traders that if they are unhappy with their banking services they should shop around.
“It's a competitive marketplace and business customers are much sought after by banks.“