WOKINGHAM is to lose another bank as Lloyd’s Bank announces its intention to close this summer.
The Market Place branch will serve its last customer ahead of plans from Devonshire Metro is behind the scheme to demolish 19-21 Market Place and build 60 flats, three new shopping units and a public square.
It means that both Robert Dyas and Lloyd’s are affected.
While Robert Dyas has previously said it had no plans to leave Wokingham town, Lloyd’s has decided to call it a day.
This means Wokingham will be left with just one bank – HSBC – as well as two building societies, Nationwide and Newbury.
In recent years, the town has lost branches of Santander, Barclays, and Halifax.
Lloyd’s Bank will serve its last customers on Monday, July 8. The firm says that almost nine out of 10 of its customers eschew branches for online facilities, which includes the ability to pay in cheques.
The company said it uses the latest technology to keep customers money safe, and its mobile apps can be used with standard screen readers.
A Lloyds Bank spokesperson: “As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to our Wokingham branch have fallen over recent years.
“When the branch closes in July, customers can continue to manage their money online, by calling us, in person at our Bracknell branch, or the local Post Office on Market Place.”
The spokesperson said the Post Office, which is in WHSmith, was just a minute’s walk away and would allow people to access everyday banking services such as paying in cheques and making cash withdrawals.
Money can also be taken out from six free-to-use machines within half-a-mile of the Market Place branch.
While it says customers can also use Bracknell’s branch for banking, there are also branches in Woodley and Reading. The company said it has yet to make any announcements about the Woodley branch.
