A new shared banking hub has opened in Saltash as the last bank branch in the Cornish town prepares to close its doors for the final time.
Saltash mayor Councillor Julia Peggs said everybody would be "sad to see Lloyds go" but added the hub was a "fantastic facility".Mrs Peggs said: "We all know that face-to-face banking and being able to speak to somebody is really important, and especially for the businesses as well to be able to do their banking, so everybody's really excited."
The bank said customers could still use its services online, on the phone, in branch in Plymouth, or either the local Post Office or Banking Hub.Customer Sue Wayne said she was "going to miss Lloyds very much", adding the closure of branches concerned her.She said she was aware of the new Banking Hub on Lower Fore Street, which she said "seemed to be in the wrong place for shoppers but at least we've got something" and added she planned to use it in the future.
Banks and building societies have closed 6,005 branches since January 2015, at a rate of around 53 each month, consumer group Which? said. Ms Hanif said: "Banking Hubs are fantastic, they're a great option where there are no banks and building societies still available, but longer term what we really want to be doing is stopping the current banks and building societies from closing their doors ... healthy economies are built on being able to process payments and cash is still a massive part of healthy economies."