'Safeguard our banks and protect our cash' - Shropshire MP asks Lloyds CEO to 'reconsider' closures

The call by Stuart Anderson comes after the Lloyds Banking Group said it intends to close its branch in Bridgnorth on May 20 and Ludlow on May 25. 

Mr Anderson stated that the Bridgnorth branch had 720 monthly customers, while the Ludlow branch had 638.

Lloyds is planning to close 136 of its high street branches in total by March next year. The announcement will see 61 Lloyds, 61 Halifax and 14 Bank of Scotland closed gradually from May. 

In a letter to South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson, the Lloyds Bank said: "Many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, as a result visits to our branch have fallen. 

"The number of transactions by our personal customers using this branch have decreased by 52 per cent in the Ludlow branch and 50% in the Bridgnorth over the last five years. When the branch closes, customers can continue to manage their money on our mobile app, online, by calling us, or in person at the local Post Office or by visiting our Community Banker."

Lloyds have told customers that it will confirm details of 'Community Banker' that will be set up. 

Mr Anderson said a letter to customers in Ludlow signposted the Hereford branch as an alternative, and signposted Bridgnorth residents to the Tettenhall branch in Wolverhampton.

The South Shropshire MP says he has had "many" constituents contact him explaining the impact that the closures will have on them. 

He said this includes representatives from local charities and places of worship who use the bank.

Mr Anderson has now written to the Executive Director and Group Chief Executive of Lloyds Banking Group, Mr Charlie Nunn, to appeal the changes, and has called on the Chancellor to safeguard banking services in rural areas. 

He said the Government must secure continued access to cash and wider banking services - including by supporting the delivery of banking hubs in rural areas.

Stuart Anderson MP said: "Access to cash and in-person banking services are vital to daily life for residents in South Shropshire. So, I am concerned that Lloyds plans to close its branches in Ludlow and Bridgnorth in May. 

"The closure of 136 branches is a major blow for our high streets. It will affect local charities, churches, and wider communities who rely on their services, with two thirds of customers aged 55 or above at both local branches. 

"I have written to Lloyds Bank CEO to request that this decision is reconsidered and called on the Chancellor to safeguard banking services in rural areas like ours."