Bank closure sparks fears for Brierley Hill High Street

The branch in Brierley Hill is set to shut in July - despite a petition signed by more than 1,300 people. It has led to fears the closure could impact on the future of nearby businesses.

The decision follows the closure of other banks in the town in recent years, including Barclays and HSBC.

The petition was supported by traders and shoppers and it was hoped the level of support would prompt a u-turn by Lloyds.

Prue Warne, from Brierley Hill, one of the campaign leaders, said she feared the loss of the bank could have a knock-on effect to the rest of the High Street.

She said: "Brierley Hill High Street is degenerating on a daily basis and now we are losing the last bank on the High Street. Market traders need a bank for change and all the things they need to do.

"My view is the last bank in town is very different to other banks which have previously left. The last bank in town has a moral position to uphold. If it closes they are knowingly adding to that degeneration."

In a letter to Lloyds, pleading with bosses not to quit the town, Ms Warne wrote: "Lower footfall in the High Street will start to impact on this market and not having a bank at all would be a huge problem for any market, with its small traders needing ongoing banking and change services. So, suddenly even Brierley Hill market will be coming under direct threat from the closure of this Lloyds branch."

Town councillor Zafar Islam said he shared traders' fears about the impact on businesses.

He said: "It will be a big problem for small traders in particular not just in the market but on the High Street itself.

"It is essential for businesses to be able to go into a bank to get change or deposit cash and the end of the day or week.

"Banks bring in customers and sadly, and very seriously, the effect could be fewer people coming to the High Street."

Lloyds announced earlier this year it was to axe 49 branches nationwide with the loss of more than 300 jobs.

It said in a statement: “We have made the difficult decision to close the Brierley Hill branch in July 2018 due to the changing ways customers choose to bank with us, which has resulted in the branch being used less often.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause. Customers can continue to access their banking locally by visiting the nearby post office, which is a short distance from the branch. Personal and business banking customers can withdraw money or check their balance, as well as pay in cheques and money to their account at the post office. We also have three other branches within three miles of Brierley Hill.

“We do not take these decisions lightly and we are currently reviewing the letter we have received from local residents.”