Lloyds Bank closure in Anglesey a "blow" to town

Lloyds confirmed last week it would be closing 66 branches across the UK after claiming customers are using them less, including the Boston Street branch in Holyhead.

Among the other branches to close is the Lloyds in Pwllheli, Gwynedd, which is also set to shut in January 2023.

A Lloyds Bank statement said: “Like many other high street businesses, we’ve seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years as more customers choose to do most of their everyday banking online.

“We’re responding to the way our customers use our branches.

“We’ll continue to invest in our branch network, but we have to make sure our branches are where customers need and use them most.

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“As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to close this branch because customers are using it less often.

“In addition the majority of customers are also using alternative ways to bank.”

The closest alternative for Holyhead residents will now be the branch in Llangefni.

For a short period of time after the branch closes, a community banker will be on hand to visit the area to offer support and guidance.

Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth said the closure of the Holyhead branch was “hugely disappointing”, adding: “Holyhead faces yet another blow with another bank closure.

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS has been critical of the plans to close more branches.

“We’ve seen too many banks turn their backs on Anglesey over the years.

“I will be arranging to meet with Lloyds to discuss further, and to emphasise the strength of feeling following this announcement – surely there are more innovative ways of ensuring that banks remain open in our communities.

“I’ve called on them to work together in the past to bring their services under one roof, for example.

“Having face to face banking interaction is crucial for many.

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“We’re told that a community banker will be visiting the area for ‘a short period of time after the branch closes’ to offer support and guidance.

“But my question is why will this service only be available for a short period of time? I’m afraid it’s not much of a consolation.

“It’s a matter that I’ve raised time and time again, big banks are simply turning their backs on rural communities such as Ynys Môn.

“We cannot rely on them, and I’m very supportive of the work being done to develop a new Banc Cambria initiative.”

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