HUNDREDS of Barnards Green shoppers have been reassured that they will still be able to do their banking on the High Street despite it emerging its Lloyds Bank branch will close early next year.
Last week (November 23) The Malvern Obsever reported that the bank on Barnards Green Road was to close from March 13 because of the changing ways customers were banking money with the company.
However the area’s Post Office has come to the rescue and assured shoppers that they will still be able to bank their money safely at Barnards Green rather than face travelling to the area’s nearest Lloyds branch at Belle Vue Terrace.
Manager Jenny Cain, who is also a town councillor for Malvern, wrote to the Observer urging residents not to be too worried about the firm’s closure and said she would welcome its customers with ‘open arms’.
She said: “Lloyds bank customers, and indeed many other bank customers, are able to pay in cash and cheques though the Post Office, take money out and get up to date balances.
“The Post Office has adapted to the changing needs of the high street and whilst banks are closing we will welcome their customers with open arms.
“We are now able to offer a full range of savings products, a current account, home, car and life insurance, travel money and insurance, bill paying facilities and in Barnards Green we have a mortgage specialist that visits the branch every two weeks.
“It’s not so much the death of a bank but more an alternative way and dare I say more personal way to carry out transactions. A more positive outcome for Barnards Green High Street.
“The closure of the bank on our high street has obviously caused a stir and is a very talked about subject at the moment.
“However, bank closures are a sign of our times and we must adapt. As Postmistress, myself and my team have spoken to over five hundred people since the closure was announced to let them know that they can continue to do their banking through the Post Office.”
A spokesman for Lloyds Bank apologised to Barnards Green shoppers and admitted it was a ‘difficult decision’.
