I would like to thank everyone who signed the petition to keep the Lloyds banking branch on Shirley Road open. While it is disappointing that the bank branch will sadly close its doors for the final time on May 7, 2025, your support has played a crucial role in highlighting the importance of this vital service on Shirley High Street.
Thanks to the pressure from the petition, Lloyds has assured me that it will step up to ensure the community receives the necessary support during the closure, alongside installing a cash access solution so that residents can still deposit cash and cash cheques.
Over 400 residents have expressed their backing for the campaign to save the branch, and I am incredibly grateful for this. I have been holding regular meetings with Lloyds to challenge them and the banking group’s data to ensure that they have considered the needs of all Shirley bank’s customers. As well as urging the banking group to consider a banking hub, an option that Lloyds has repeatedly refused.
Below are the steps I’ve taken to ensure Shirley branch users still have access to vital services.
Additional support we’ve secured during this transition:
- Lloyds have assured me that every single vulnerable customer will be contacted and set up with meetings to discuss their options for alternative services.
- In cases where necessary, Lloyds has pledged to offer additional support, including accompanying customers to the local post office.
- An automated deposit service will be installed so bank users can still deposit cash and cash cheques. Importantly, Lloyds has confirmed that the Shirley branch will not close until these alternative provisions are in place.
- Lloyds has introduced initiatives to assist customers with digital training. They will offer free digital training and provide a tablet device with a monthly data allowance to those who need it, provided they meet the relevant criteria.
Once again, thank you to all who supported the petition. While the closure is disappointing, our campaign has resulted in important commitments from Lloyds to support the community and ensure vital services are still available. The closure of the Lloyds branch in Shirley represents a growing risk of financial exclusion for these groups, I still believe in face-to-face services and the government is putting in more measures to ensure we don’t lose more branches.
I will continue to work hard to ensure that no one is left without the services they rely on. Please do get in touch with me if you have any further queries or concerns over the closure.
If there is ever anything else I can do to help you, whether you have a specific issue or questions around policy please do not hesitate to contact me.
You can email me at satvir.kaur.mp@parliament.uk or call 02382 546 357.