Wellington's Member of Parliament, Rebecca Pow, has expressed concern over plans which would see Wellington left without a high street bank.

Responding to the news that Lloyds is planning to close its Fore Street branch, Ms Pow said: This is a time of rapid change for customers but I was particularly concerned at news of the closure of the Lloyds Bank in Wellington because I know  this branch is vital for many people and local businesses.  

"I have been engaging with Minister Andrew Griffith, Economic Secretary to the Treasury regarding the situation in Wellington and the  need to preserve access to banking for local communities across our area more widely.  

"The Minister has been exploring options and has been working with the sector to develop the banking hub concept.  

"I have been assured by Lloyds that such a 'banking hub’, which customers of any of the main banks including Lloyds can use, will be provided, with the existing branch remaining in place until this opens.

"I will continue to engage with Lloyds and LINK to help ensure a smooth transition of banking services in the local community and the wider area.”

In a statement announcing the new banking hub, Chris Ashton, Head of Banking Services, at LINK, said: "We know the way we pay for things and bank is changing. Yet not everyone is able to bank online or use digital payments. 

"Many consumers and small businesses still rely on face-to-face banking and cash. That’s why we’re pleased to confirm Wellington has been selected for a banking hub.” 

Lloyds has confirmed if the banking hub is not established before the date of its planned closure, it will keep its doors open for a further twelve months. 

In a statement Lloyds said: "If the Banking Hub is not up and running by the listed closure date of September 13 2023, we’ll keep the branch open for up to 12 months starting from March 29 to allow for a smooth transition of banking services in the community."