There was standing room only at the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday when the proposed closure of Lloyds Bank was discussed.
Representatives of a number of local businesses and residents expressed their concerns. It was said that the closure of the bank would be likely to lead to additional trips to Newport, businesses finding difficulty getting change, security problems with more cash being held in shops and businesses and customers (particularly the elderly or those with a disability) being unable to get assistance. Although it was understood that a mobile service would be offered this was felt to be inadequate as was using a service at the Co-operative Supermarket.
The Parish Council resolved to work with the other town and parish councils in the West Wight with a view to writing to the bank. Correspondence would be published and the MP would be involved.
Currently Lloyds Bank is expected to close in January 2019.