Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay has today raised concerns following the announcement by Lloyds Bank that local branches in Fowey, Newquay Central Square and St Austell Mount Charles Road will be closing later this year.
Commenting, Steve said,
“I am disappointed to learn of this decision by Lloyds Bank. Although it is good news that there will be no job losses, I am concerned at the potential impact on local businesses and residents, as well as those who visit our area.
I started my working life working for a bank which included time working in smaller branches in St Columb Major, Chester Road Newquay, Mount Charles and St Dennis and know how important these facilities are to our communities. Clearly high street banking is changing with an emphasis on more internet-based services but local branches remain important, particularly to those who might not be able to access the web. There is also still a need for businesses to be able to pay into their accounts, especially those that still take payment by cash. The additional time it will now take for some businesses to have to travel to visit their nearest branch will place an extra burden on business owners which is most unwelcome.
I will continue to work closely with Lloyds and other banking organisations to do all I can to ensure the level of service that we do have is protected and made easily accessible wherever possible.”