Both Lloyds and Halifax bank branches in Bitterne are slated for closure next year.
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Both banks are effectively owned by the Lloyds Banking Group, and are scheduled to permanently close on June 9, 2025.
A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson told bitternepark.info: “As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to our Lloyds Bank and Halifax branches in Bitterne have fallen over recent years. When the branches close in June next year, customers can continue to manage their money online, by calling us or [by using] the local Post Office on West End Road.”
Lloyds said more than 79% of personal customers of each branch already use other ways of banking, and that the Post Office offers personal and business customers other everyday banking services.
It said the nearest free-to-use ATM is just over 0.36 miles away, and there are seven free-to-use ATMs within three quarters of a mile.
It added that it was getting in touch with customers to let them know about alternative banking services.
An online petition was started on September 16 on change.org with a stated aim to “Prevent the Proposed Closure of Lloyds Bank Branch in Bitterne”.
At the time of writing a day later, it had accrued 172 signatures.
“Our branch is the last standing bank in Bitterne. It is not just a matter of convenience but a lifeline for our elderly population. Without it, the older members of our community, many of whom don’t have access to or don’t feel confident to use online services, will be shut off from crucial banking services,” says the petition preamble.
It adds that a Federation of Small Business study had found 94% of small business owners in the UK still use high street banks, and that 38% feel branch closures have had a negative impact on their businesses.
One person commenting on the petition said: “This will have a devastating effect on the whole community, the local businesses and the elderly in particular. It has always been a busy and well used branch. Not everyone banks online yet.”
On another social media page a commenter wrote in response to the Lloyds news: “Bitterne is going to be a ghost town very soon where has that popular busy shopping centre gone??! So very sad such a shame”
Another said: “Sorry, but I think it's ridiculous, many OAPs depend on the banks.”