Lloyds Bank to close Colyton branch

The news that Lloyds Bank has confirmed the closure of its Colyton branch for good on 12 October 2016 is a bitter blow to the local community, as well as businesses in and around the town, says East Devon District Council Chairman, Councillor Stuart Hughes, who is hugely disappointed with the bank’s refusal to reconsider its decision.

“I am extremely unhappy that the Lloyds Banking Group has refused to listen to its loyal Colyton customers and that it has chosen to proceed with the closure of this much valued local facility. I fear that Colyton’s prosperity will suffer as a consequence of Lloyd’s action, as people will be forced to do their banking elsewhere and local businesses will subsequently lose trade. Quite simply, Lloyds has not acknowledged the needs of its rural customers and that is a tragedy.”

Councillor Helen Parr, East Devon District Council’s ward member for the Coly Valley and Vice Chairman of East Devon, also voiced her concerns: “Many questions have not been answered by Lloyds in their communications so far, and Colyton would like answers. There remains widespread concern among the business community and organisations of Colyton, as to how their banking needs will be met if Lloyds Bank carries out the planned closure. Equally, there is great anxiety among the older residents as to how they will access banking services. Lloyds Bank needs to talk to people in Colyton.”