Lloyds is to close its bank in Market Harborough.
The town centre branch will shut in December with the decision blamed on a drop in customers using it because of mobile and internet banking.
These customers told HFM they are disappointed at the announcement:
Lloyds Bank will close later this year
It will be the fourth bank to close in the town since the start of last year after NatWest, Barclays and HSBC all shut their doors in 2023.
Lloyds say there has been a 43% drop in customers visiting the branch, although 889 regular customers used it in the six months to last November.
The bank says the number of business customers visiting has more than halved since 2018 but Kyra Williams, President of Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, told HFM many businesses rely on the branch:
Neil O’Brien outside Lloyds Bank
When the closure happens the town will be left with just three banks or building societies – Santander, Market Harborough Building Society and Nationwide.
The closure announcement has prompted fresh calls for a Banking Hub to be set-up in the town, which would allow customers of different banks to still receive in-person service.
Harborough MP Neil O’Brien is seeking a meeting with the operator of such a service:
Cllr Simon Galton, deputy leader of Harborough District Council says the closure will be a blow to the town:
Lloyds says a ‘community banker’ will continue to visit the area once a week after the closure.
A Lloyds Bank spokesperson told HFM: “As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to our Market Harborough branch have fallen over recent years.
“The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs.
“Customers can also manage their money through our mobile banking apps, online, by calling us or speaking to a Community Banker.”
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