A HEREFORDSHIRE town will soon be without a bank and a councillor has said it will soon be forgotten.

In a letter to Lloyd's bank, Councillor Clare Davies said she is disappointed to have heard it will close its branch in the town on October 24.

Coun Davies believes the bank's closure will mean the farming community and other businesses will suffer as they currently rely on Lloyds.

Banking online is not practical for everyone and businesses using online banking may find customers paying in cash, she said.

"Businesses are struggling as it is and not in a position to refuse cash payment."

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When Ms Davies visits Lloyds in Bromyard there is inevitably a queue for business and private banking.

"We are aware that many Bromyard residents are elderly and not confident or able to use the internet for banking," she said.

"It is true we currently have an excellent Post Office in Bromyard, but this is a small family-run business which may not be able to offer all the banking services needed by our community."

She shared further concerns that there is not a bank within a half an hour's drive and there are poor public transport services for those who cannot drive.

"I would ask you to seriously reconsider this decision, not only for the inconvenience to our businesses but also the local community, many of whom are elderly and rely on the local bank," she said.

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"I would also like to point out that the service in the Bromyard branch has always been of the highest standard and staff are always professional and friendly but also ready to help customers with new services, which as a business you are about to lose."

At Monday's full meeting of Bromyard and Winslow Town Council, mayor Dee Dunne-Thomas said bank staff had told her there was nothing that could be done to reverse the decision to close the branch.

A Lloyds Bank spokesperson responded to the letter: “Visits to our Bromyard branch have fallen over recent years, as many customers now choose to bank in different ways. 

"When the branch closes in October, customers can continue to bank with us at the Post Office on Church Street and can access cash at a number of free ATMs nearby."

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