Residents of the picturesque Cotswold market town are expressing their anger. They’re especially upset that their only remaining local bank, Lloyds, is closing in January 2026. This branch is graced with four lovely Georgian-style windows. On top of them, the words ‘LLOYDS BANK’ scream out from under a coat of bright green paint that this is indeed the last bank standing. This week, Lloyds Bank announced plans to shut 66 branches across the country between 2025 and 2026. This ruling affects places such as Brigg, Sleaford and Stamford.
Local business owners, residents, and their supporters have been speaking out against the negative effects this closure will have on the community. Joyce Whittle, a 64-year-old longtime resident, said she was stunned by the news. She explained that even though she has adjusted to online banking that was not the direction she wanted to take.
“I do online bank myself, but only because I was forced into it. I will be affected by the removal of the cash machines, but also by having to go into Hull to deal with other banking business,” – Ms. Whittle.
Whittle pointed out that others in the small community might suffer even harsher effects due to the bank’s shutdown. Vicky Merritt, owner of Indie’s Pet Supplies, expressed these same frustrations. Now owner of her own shop, lately she’s been making regular trips to the Lloyds branch opposite her store. Waiting in line occupies most of Claire’s time.
“It’s really handy having a paying in machine there – and without that we’ve got to queue at the Post Office which is always really busy. I don’t always have time to go and stand there for half an hour,” – Ms. Merritt.
This sudden closure poses major challenges for older residents who would have difficulty reaching other banking services. Sandra Curtis, in her late 60s, underscored the impact on people who need to access in-person banking services.
“If they take this bank away from this village, they’re taking the centre away from everyone of a certain age who can’t get anywhere,” – Ms. Curtis.
English local councillor Steve Gallant wouldn’t disagree. He’s been a passionate campaigner for a banking hub that would do the joint Lloyds thing and serve other Lloyds customers in the town. He underscored the importance for his community to have easy access to banking and financial services for everyone in the community.
Here, Graham Stuart makes a passionate appeal to keep in-person banking services. He points out that most customers still prefer in-person relationships when it comes to executing their transactional banking. He highlighted the role of cash deposit facilities in improving access for individuals and businesses alike.
“There remains a lot of people who want face-to-face banking, there’s still a need for cash deposit facilities for businesses, for individuals – and that’s why it’s so important that we continue to have physical banking facilities,” – Mr. Stuart.
Closing the Lloyds branch costs more than just a single individual customer. The local businesses that rely on convenient access to banking services are left out to dry. Whittle shared her worry about wider community consequences.
“This will have a big impact on Hedon. It’s not only the residents that will be affected, but also the businesses,” – Ms. Whittle.
