A BLOW has been dealt to Dursley after it was revealed the town is due to lose a mobile banking service.

Black horse bank Lloyds has announced it is bolting from the town in May 2024. 

It is understood the decision came after the bank revealed that fewer customers were using the service. 

Since the closure of its branch on Long Street in March 2021, the mobile bank service has been visiting Dursley town centre every two weeks on a Thursday. 

Lloyds customers in Dursley will now need to bank through the Post Office instead of through a branch unless they wish to travel to Stroud, Thornbury or Lydney. 

The bank is also axing other services in the county including similar schemes set up in Fairford, Tetbury as well as in Bourton-on-the-Water and Bishop's Cleeve. 

The news has been met with concern from community leaders who have labelled the move as "disappointing" and "regrettable". 

Meanwhile, a Lloyds spokesperson stated that the bank would be launching a new community banker scheme in some areas to provide targeted support.

Gazette Series: The Lloyds mobile bank service has been visiting Dursley every two weeks for more than two years - photo by David Smith The Lloyds mobile bank service has been visiting Dursley every two weeks for more than two years - photo by David Smith (Image: David Smith)

“I always remind banks of their obligations to their vulnerable customers"

Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie said: “I am concerned to hear that the fortnightly mobile bank branch for Lloyds is no longer visiting Dursley on a Thursday from May 2024. 

“I asked a town councillor to get the council to gather information about people’s views of the mobile service usage and speak to the post office so I can assess what the bank is saying about the mobile service not being needed or used. 

“I always remind banks of their obligations to their vulnerable customers when one closes and support is often put in place. 

“It is an uncomfortable truth that most people do not use banks much anymore because of the internet so I always try to manage expectations.”

According to the Stroud Labour Party, only seven bank branches remain in the district, with two-thirds having closed since 2015.

“It is regrettable that the mobile branch is being phased out"

Tony Davey, chair of Stroud and District Chamber of Trade, said: “The need to access banking services continues to impact our communities, often affecting those who are not well matched to  technology and those who are vulnerable. 

“Further, as banks have chosen to withdraw from our towns and away from those who trusted them, so footfall and the positive impact that has on our local economy has been 
eroded; inflicting an extra layer of damage. 

“It is regrettable that the mobile branch is being phased out too, and it highlights the need for a new and robust banking alternative for our towns that supports those who need it. 

“Across the district it is reported the current economic crisis has driven more people to using cash as it is easier for many to budget. 

“Others report that when they have problems with their cards, they are being asked to travel many miles to resolve issues face-to-face. 

“Whilst we never lose sight of the need to modernise, not all change in the name 
progress is well considered nor necessarily positive.”

"The effect on the town can be catastrophic" 

Dr Simon Opher, Labour Party candidate for the Stroud parliamentary constituency, said: “This is very disappointing news.  

“When a local community no longer has access to a bank branch, it is the poorest in society along with high street businesses who lose out the most, and the effect on the town can be catastrophic.

 “Over two thirds of banks in the south west have closed since 2015, making it the hardest hit region in the country. 

“To now withdraw the mobile bank service designed to replace the bank branch adds insult to injury.

“A Labour Government would accelerate the roll out of ‘banking hubs’ which handle cash and offer financial advice and help with banking services. 

“We’d work with banks and, where necessary, bring in new powers for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to stop people being left in ‘banking deserts’ without access to face-to-face banking services.” 

Gazette Series: Dr Simon Opher standing outside where the Lloyds Bank used to be in Long Street, Dursley Dr Simon Opher standing outside where the Lloyds Bank used to be in Long Street, Dursley (Image: Dr Simon Opher)

Lloyds Bank statement 

A spokesperson from Lloyds Bank said: “As many customers now choose to bank online or through their mobile app, visits to our mobile bank branch have fallen significantly over recent years. 

“The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs, alongside other ways to bank such as online, phone and mobile banking services.

“After the mobile bank stops visiting we will have a community banker visit the area, who will continue to offer face to face targeted support for as long as the community needs it.  

“We will discuss with local communities which locations would be appropriate for our community banker to set up in, and on which days.”