BANKING giant Lloyds has announced that its Dursley branch is to remain open ‘during this challenging period’.

The Long Street site had been set to close for good on July 21, as part of the bank’s plans to shut 56 of it local outlets across the UK.

But this week Lloyds said that it is aiming to keep as many of its branches open as possible during the pandemic.

In a statement the bank said: “Given the extraordinary set of circumstances brought about by the outbreak of Covid-19, we have taken the decision not to permanently close the Lloyds Bank branch in Dursley during this challenging period.

“The Bank’s aim during this national crisis is to keep as many of our branches open as possible, while ensuring we abide by public health guidelines.

“All options are being considered by the Bank as we try to achieve this aim.

“Colleagues in branch have already been informed of this development, and posters should be going up in branch this week if they haven’t already. I realise that the branch in Dursley has been on the one of those that have been closed temporarily due to illness or self-isolation. Often these decisions are taken at short notice locally depending on staffing.”

MP Siobhan Baillie said: “This is only a reprieve, albeit a welcome one for many people who were worried about the issue.

“I’ll keep working with Dursley Town Council, councillors and local people to keep an eye on this matter.

Dursley mayor Neil Grecian said: “It is good news that Lloyds Bank are to stay open to support local customers during these difficult times. Let us hope that they have a change of heart and do not close this important facility in the future as was planned.

And SDC leader Doina Cornell added: “It’s good news if the Dursley branch of Lloyd’s can stay open for essential services for people who can’t access them online, as long as staff there are able to work safely.”