The branch is set to close on June 15
The Ings Road Lloyds branch will close in June(Image: PA)
A Hull city councillor has criticised the “deeply disappointing” planned closure of a Lloyds Bank branch in the city. Liberal Democrat Cllr Jonathan Cahill has written to the bank’s Chief Executive, urging the closure of the Ings Road branch to be reconsidered.
With the branch in the Sutton ward set to close on June 15, local ward councillor, Cllr Cahill, has raised concerns that local customers will not be left without proper banking support. In his letter the councillor expressed his “strong opposition” to the closure, writing: “The closure of the Ings Road branch will leave a noticeable gap in local provision and risks further reducing access to essential banking services in our area. Residents are understandably worried about longer travel distances, reduced accessibility and the loss of trusted, local staff who understand their needs.
He said that whilst recognising the shift towards online banking, “it is clear that not everyone is able to make that transition easily. A significant number of my constituents are either digitally excluded or lack confidence in online banking. Others depend on face-to-face services for more complex matters that cannot easily be resolved through an app, over the phone, or via a Post Office counter.”
Commenting on his letter, Cllr Cahill said: “This decision is deeply disappointing. For many people in Sutton ward and across East Hull, the Ings Road branch is not a luxury – it’s a lifeline.
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here.
“Not everyone can simply switch to online banking. Many older residents, people with disabilities, and those without reliable internet or simply can’t afford the costs to access the internet rely on face-to-face services. Closing this branch risks leaving them behind. “Banks have a responsibility to the communities that have supported them for generations. Access to banking is a fundamental service. Lloyds must demonstrate that profit is not being prioritised over people.”
Responding to the councillor’s letter, Lloyds reaffirmed its intention to close the branch on June 15, with a spokesperson adding: “Customers want the freedom to bank in the way that works for them and we offer more choice and ways to manage money than ever before. In addition to our app, customers can use the local Post Office or walk into any Lloyds or Halifax branch to manage their money, and can also deposit cash at PayPoint locations. We’re giving our customers the flexibility to bank wherever and whenever they need us.”
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more, visit the Public Notices Portal.