Town's last bank closure a 'tragedy,' say residents

Joyce Whittle, 64, says she was "shocked" to hear the branch was closing

People in a market town have said it is "a tragedy" that their last remaining bank will close.

Lloyds Bank announced its branch on St Augustine's Gate in Hedon is set to shut on 28 January 2026.

Joyce Whittle, 64, who has lived in the town for more than 40 years, said: "This will have a big impact on Hedon. It's not only the residents that will be affected, but also the businesses."

A spokesperson from Lloyds said: "More than ever, customers are choosing to manage their money through our app. The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs."

The Lloyds branch is the last bank in the town, and will close in January 2026

Lloyds branches in Brigg, Sleaford and Stamford are also among 66 branches set to close in 2025 and 2026.

Ms Whittle added: "I do online bank myself, but only because I was forced into it. I will be affected by the removal of the cash machines, but also by having to go into Hull to deal with other banking business.

"I know there will be others in this community who will be more severely affected."

Fellow resident, Sandra Curtis, in her late 60s, said: "If they take this bank away from this village, they're taking the centre away from everyone of a certain age who can't get anywhere.

"It's just a tragedy really."

Vicky Merritt, the owner of Indie's Pet Supplies, uses the Lloyds branch opposite her shop.

She said: "It's really handy having a paying in machine there - and without that we've got to queue at the Post Office which is always really busy. I don't always have time to go and stand there for half an hour."

Vicky Merritt, who owns a business across the road from the Lloyds, says many of her elderly customers are worried about the branch closing

The Conservative MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, has launched a petition to get a banking hub in the area - which would offer access to basic banking services from a number of high street banks, which rotate during the week.

Stuart said: "There remains a lot of people who want face to face banking, there's still a need for cash deposit facilities for businesses, for individuals - and that's why it's so important that we continue to have physical banking facilities.

Councillor Steve Gallant agreed with the need for a banking hub in the town.

He said: "We've successfully managed to get banking hubs in places like Withernsea, Cottingham and Hornsea."

LINK, the organisation which assesses which communities would benefit from a banking hub, said: "We were pleased to recommend enhanced disabled access to the Post Office in Hedon that will provide access to cash for people and businesses in the town."

Lloyds added: "Customers can also manage their money on our app, online or by calling us."

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