Concern as more banks in East Sussex set to close
Getty ImagesMore banks across East Sussex are set to close this week, with fears being raised over the impact on elderly people.
Lloyds Banking Group said its branch in Lewes will close on Monday, as will the Halifax in Seaford.
Meanwhile, Hastings' Halifax will be shut from Thursday.
Lloyds said "the way people are banking has changed".
It said that more than 21 million customers are now using apps to manage their money.
'More choice than ever'
Ashley Price, former president of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, told BBC Radio Sussex that the closures could have a "lot of impact".
He warned people and businesses may now face long queues at alternative banking locations in the town.
Price added that residents and visitors to Lewes could also find it more difficult to get money out as there will be a lack of cash machines.
Lewes resident Michael Holmes previously told BBC Radio Sussex it was "very unfortunate" Lloyds was closing.
"It would make it difficult for older people, people living with a disability and people who don't have smartphones," he added.
BBC / George CardenLloyds Banking Group, which comprises Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, said it was "providing more choice than ever before".
Its customers can use any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, the Post Office or Banking Hubs for their everyday banking, and deposit cash at over 30,000 PayPoint locations, it added.
In September, Lloyds Banking Group announced it would close 49 of its bank branches across the UK in 2026.
Nationwide will now be the last remaining dedicated bank in Lewes, after the Halifax, NatWest and HSBC branches closed.
Mandy Beech, director of retail services at Nationwide, said the bank was "staying put until at least 2030".
"We know our branches are important to our customers, to communities, and to the health of our high streets," she said.
"That's why Nationwide will continue to keep branches open."
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