Councillors urge bank bosses not to close branch

Councillors are appealing to Lloyds Bank to reverse a decision to close its Godalming branch.

Lloyds announced the branch, on the High Street of the Surrey town, would close on 29 May.

It said that 83% of its Godalming branch customers used online banking so "visits to our Godalming branch have fallen over recent years".

In a letter to the bank a group of councillors, led by Waverley Borough Council and Godalming Town Council leader Paul Follows, said banking in branches was a "trusted way of dealing with our money" and their most vulnerable residents would "face digital exclusion".

The letter was also signed by councillors Victoria Kiehl, Penny Rivers, Liz Townsend, Tom Kiehl and Ruth Thomson.

Mr Follows said increased footfall to the High Street and a growing population are reasons why a physical bank is essential.

He thanked Lloyds Bank for its "commitment to engage with us" and said it was a "very encouraging sign".

"I hope I can convince them Godalming remains a profitable place to operate and for them to agree to keep the branch open," he added.

"If we can't get them to agree to that, then I will be looking to secure a commitment from them to lead on, or support proposals for, the creation of a banking hub in the High Street."

A Lloyds Bank spokesperson added: "When the branch closes in May, customers can continue to manage their money on our app, online, by calling us, in person at Guildford branch, or the local Post Office on the High Street."

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