'Another blow to the high street' -Residents of Kingswinford have their say on branch of Lloyd's bank which is set to close
People on the high street in Kingswinford gave a big thumbs down to the news that a seemingly popular branch of Lloyds Bank will close in June, leaving the town without a recognised national bank.
'Another nail in the coffin of the high street.' - People in Kingswinford were despondent with the news that a seemingly popular branch of Lloyds Bank will close in June, leaving the town without a recognised national bank.
Lloyds Banking Group is to close nine branches across the Midlands - affecting customers of Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland. Nationally 53 Lloyds branches, 31 Halifax and 11 Bank of Scotland sites will close.
But in Kingswinford, many customers and non-customers saw the death knell of the branch, which will leave only building society Nationwide in the centre of the village, as 'another blow' to the community it has served for over 40 years.
Some didn't know the news until told by the Express & Star reporter, others had been informed by branch staff. None who heard the news welcomed it, but the branch will close on June 16 and will be joined by branches in Tettenhall and Wednesbury on dates to be confirmed.
Lindon Westwood didn't know the branch was closing. The 82-year-old, when told by the Express & Star, went back inside and had it confirmed by staff at the counter, who face consultation over their jobs.
He said: "This is the only bank left in Kingswinford and I think it will be a tragedy if it shuts. We will have to go to Dudley or other areas for a branch and I don't drive so I have to catch a bus which is easy to get here but other places are further away.
