Closure of Willenhall’s last bank 'a major blow' for residents

The closure of Willenhall’s last remaining bank raises ‘serious concerns about the future vitality of the town’, according to a ward councillor. 

Last week Lloyds Bank announced it will be closing its Willenhall branch on November 5, 2026. 

It follows the closure of HSBC in 2017 and Barclays in 2018, both of the units have remained vacant ever since.

Councillor Simran Cheema said the move was just another blow to the struggling town centre as digital alternatives cannot replace face-to-face services. 

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She said: “The closure of Lloyds Bank in Willenhall is extremely disappointing and represents yet another setback for our town centre and local community.

“For many residents, particularly older people, those with disabilities, and those who are less confident using online banking services, the branch provides an essential face-to-face service that cannot be replaced by digital alternatives.

“This decision also raises serious concerns about the future vitality of Willenhall town centre.

“Lloyds Bank is the last remaining bank in the town centre, and its loss will leave residents and businesses without access to a local banking facility.”

Lloyds said ‘the majority’ of its customers choose to use online banking to manage their money. 

Councillor Cheema has written to the bank asking them to reconsider its decision to close. 

Lloyds in Bilston town centre remains open as well as branches in Walsall and Wolverhampton. 

A spokesperson for Lloyds said: “With access to one of the biggest branch networks in the UK, alongside local banking options like our Community Bankers, the nearby Post Office, PayPoint, plus our leading apps and 24/7 messaging service, we offer our customers more choice and convenience than ever before.”