Lloyds Bank announce Wellgate branch closure
ROTHERHAM is to lose another big name bank branch with Lloyds announcing their Wellgate premises will close in the Autumn.
The bank will close permanantly on October 15, customers have been told.
In addition to the loss of conventional over-the-counter banking services, the bank’s cashpoint machine will also go.
Lloyds’ decision has been made after analysing customer usage at the branch, they say.
According to their records, 22 per cent of Wellgate customers had used other Lloyds branches in the 12 months leading up to February this year.
Meanwhile, 75 per cent of customers had used other Lloyds branches, online, or telephone banking in the six months leading up to February.
In addition, 41 per cent of Wellgate customers had used a Post Office for banking in the 12 months leading up to February.
Records show just over 600 customers a month - on average - using the branch, with seven per cent of those business customers.
Over 55 year olds account for 47 per cent of customers.
Lloyds are in the process of contacting customers about the change and will inform Rotherham MP Sarah Champion.
Other organisations to be made aware are Post Office officials and Citizens Advice.
Many communities have lost traditional bank branches in recent years, with the blame put on increasing numbers of customers switching to online services instead.
Banking hubs have been introduced in areas like Wath, providing a central point where different banks can operate for one day a week, supporting customers who still prefer face-to-face services.
Lloyds say the Wellgate decision was made after considering how customers use their services and how branch usage was changing.
They visited the branch to see the location and the alternative options for banking in the area.
They point to the Halifax in Howard Street as an option for a cash machine, and the Post Office in Bridgegate for “everyday” banking services.
A second part of the branch closure review will be published at least two weeks before the scheduled closure date.
That will provide “a summary of the feedback we get following conversations with the local community”, the company has said.