Closure of last bank 'not easy for older people'

The closure of a town's last bank is "not easy for older people" and may affect businesses and charities, a chamber of commerce chairman has said.

Lloyds Bank shut its branch in Gillingham, Dorset, on Thursday.

It will open a fortnightly banking session, which does not allow deposits or withdrawals, in the town's library on 19 January.

Barry Von Clemens, who chairs the Gillingham chamber and is a charity director, said the community service "doesn't help anybody".

Gillingham is among 40 Lloyds branches which are closing in 2026, according to the group's website.

The nearest alternative branch is about 22 miles (35km) away in Yeovil, Somerset.

Von Clemens said: "We're a large town and we've got more houses on the way.

"We applied to open a banking hub but were refused.

"Public transport is not good. It's not easy for older people. The cash machines are outside and facing car parks."

He said there were also concerns for customers about depositing and withdrawing cash at the town's post offices.

Lloyds website says businesses can deposit up to £40,000 a month at a post office, although limits vary at different branches.

The Post Office has been approached for further details.

The community banking session will run on alternate Mondays between 10:00 and 15:30 GMT.

It can handle some queries such as balance inquiries and payments.

In a previous statement on its website, Lloyds said it was closing its Gillingham branch because "most customers prefer to use our mobile app, online banking or call us".