THE CLOSURE of Pershore's last bank branch has been delayed to make way for a new banking hub.

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, has managed to delay the closure of the bank branch on Broad Street until a new banking hub has been set up in the town.

MP Baldwin met with Link - a national cashpoint network supporting communities left without any high street bank - who had agreed to start locating a venue for the new service in the town.

Lloyds has written to MP Baldwin confirming that the branch closure will be delayed to allow extra time for the team delivering the hub to get their plans in place.

Posters will shortly be put up in the bank confirming that the new closure date will be May 28, 2024.

Mrs Baldwin said: "Over the years, I have worked closely with Lloyds after it left Upton-upon-Severn, and now Pershore and I have secured a range of commitments to ensure people can access banking services.

"I'm working closely with the team delivering the hub to help remove any obstacles to this process, but I was worried that the Lloyds timeline to leave the town was very tight.

"I am grateful that the Lloyds management has allowed this extra time and hope that the new hub's plans will be confirmed soon."

Link's chief commercial officer, Adrian Roberts, added: "I have now visited Pershore and agree that, with Lloyds Bank closing, the beautiful market town needs a banking hub."

Previously, MP Baldwin has labelled the move by Lloyds as "appalling". 

Earlier this year, Lloyds revealed it would be leaving Pershore after transactions at the branch fell more than 57 per cent between 2017 and 2022.

According to Lloyds, 78 per cent of our Pershore customers already use other ways of banking, such as over the phone or internet banking, as well as other branches.

A Lloyds spokesperson said: "As many customers now choose to bank online or through their mobile app, visits to our Pershore branch have fallen over recent years. 

"The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs, alongside other ways to bank such as online, phone and mobile banking services, plus the new Banking Hub when it is up and running."