Lloyds to close branch in Glossop town centre

Lloyds has announced it plans to close its Glossop branch on March 6, next year, leaving the town without a bank.

The bank on High Street West is among scores of branches set to be axed by the banking giant this year throughout the UK.

And bosses claim the rise of online banking has been a major factor in their decision.

A spokesman said: "Before we close any branch, we look at how our customers are managing their money and using the branch.

"Most customers are now using our Mobile Banking app, Internet Banking or calling us instead, which means they are using branches much less. Because of this, we'll be closing our Glossop branch."

The closure will also mean the loss of the cashpoint machine and customers have been advised to use the Post Office for their day-to-day banking, however they have promised to provide help in setting up online accounts.

In addition, there are plans for a shared banking hub in Glossop.

The spokesman said: "A Banking Hub is planned for this area. Banking Hubs are shared banking spaces on the high street set up by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office.

"They're open Monday to Friday. Customers of all major banks and building societies can use them to do their everyday banking tasks.

"Our Community Banker will be at the Banking Hub one day a week, so you can come in and do your banking in person. We'll update our website with the hub address, opening times and when our Community Banker will be there. We'll keep our branch open until the Banking Hub is up and running."

In October last year, police officers discovered the plants inside the old Barclays banking branch, at the junction of Norfolk Street and High Street East in Glossop, on Monday.

The news of the closure has been met with dismay on local social media forums.

One poster said: "Last Bank left in Glossop until March and this was my first Bank back in the 1980s and was first Bank to have Cashpoint. Sad news."

Another added: "This is ridiculous, a town the size of Glossop and no bank, pathetic."