THE Lloyds Banking Group has submitted a planning application ahead of its plan to close its Crediton Branch on July 4, 2024.

The Listed Building Consent application submitted to Mid Devon District Council is for the removal of ground floor furniture, internal IDM machine, external ATM and replacement with secure partition, removal of external lettering and advertisement signs, sealing of letterbox and all external glazing at low level to be obscured with white vinyl (applied internally).

In July, Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it would be closing a further 44 banks across the UK, including the Crediton branch.

Three branches in Devon which will close in that announcement included Plymouth (St Budeaux) on January 10, 2024, Teignmouth on April 15, 2024 and Crediton on July 4, 2024.

In recent times Lloyds has blamed a drop in customer transactions and an increase of more people using internet banking as the reason behind the closures.

However, consumer advocates for local bank branches say that such closures harm less mobile customers and people who struggle to access internet banking.

Trade unions say that such closures deny vulnerable customers and small businesses of essential services.

In July, the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking described the forthcoming bank closure as "the end of an era".

She told the "Courier": "It’s sad to hear that Lloyds, Crediton’s last bank standing, will close next year.

"It will undoubtedly cause difficulties for people who can’t use internet banking and rely on counter services.  However, it’s good that we still have a dedicated Post Office in Crediton, which offers some of the basic financial services you would find in a high street bank – including a friendly face behind the counter – and this could help some people who are used to using Lloyds.

"But a lot of people will be sorry to see it go.  It will be the end of an era."

"Very disappointing", was how Bruce Evans, the Chairman of Crediton Chamber of Commerce, described the news.

He said: "The news that the last bank in Crediton is closing is very disappointing for the town.

"Although most banking can be done at the Post Office, not having a physical bank in the town is a short sighted move from Lloyds.

"It will damage both the town, and the reputation of the bank in the area.

"Luckily Crediton is a lively, resilient community and the businesses and inhabitants will continue to thrive despite this setback."

The Crediton branch, at 30 High Street, Crediton, is currently open from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.

It operates a counter service, travel money facility, paying-in machine and an external Cashpoint.

Data from the UK’s largest cash machine network, LINK, which keeps track of any planned bank branch closures across the UK confirmed details of the branch closures on Wednesday, July 19.

• Are you concerned about the closure next year of the Crediton branch of Lloyds Bank?

Write a letter to share your comments with fellow Crediton Courier readers.  Send it to: The Editor, Crediton Courier, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF.

Alternatively, email: [email protected] .

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