November 12, 2019 1.42 pm This story is over 52 months old

Ghost town fears as last bank in Spilsby closes its doors

A new mobile banking service will visit two times a week
Spilsby's Lloyds branch, the last bank in the town, is set to close in November. Photo: Daniel Jaines

The last bank in Spilsby is closing its doors for the final time, sparking fears that the place could become a ghost town.

Lloyds Bank confirmed earlier this year that its final day of trading in Spilsby would be on Tuesday, November 12.

It’s a sign of the changing times which has meant that fewer people are visiting physical banks, the banking group explained.

People can now use the mobile banking service, which will be available on Tuesdays from 9.45am to 12pm and then from 12.45pm to 3.15pm.

It will also visit on Thursdays from 9.45am to 12pm.

Local democracy reporter Daniel Jaines visited the town in July and was told by local residents that the plans to close the bank were “ridiculous.”

Graham Ambridge, owner of Ambridge’s Traditional Fish and Chips said: “The Post Office is always queued up and takes half hour when you go in there.

“It’s just ridiculous we’re not going to have a bank in town.”

Other business owners echoed the concerns, with some worrying whether the town’s post office could cope and others concerned what could happen if neighbouring town’s branches closed.

Tim Jarvis, owner of Spilsby Packaging. Photo: Daniel Jaines

Tim Jarvis, from Spilsby Packaging, said: “There’s only so much business they [the Post Office] can do. I don’t use the facilities there but now they have closed I don’t know how long this mobile banking is going to last.”

Residents Colin Clover, 60, who suffers from a degenerative spine condition and Betty Edwards, 86, both said they would find it difficult to travel elsewhere.

“I think it’s disgusting,” said Colin. “I would have to go to Skegness, Louth or Horncastle. I can’t get there,” he said.

“They’re not thinking about those older people,” said Betty. “It’s too much.

“I can’t even use a mobile phone – I’m no good with technology. It will be a shame. I don’t understand it.”

She added: “It will soon be a ghost town.”

Lloyds apologised for any inconvenience, but said the mobile branch will include “everyday services” such as depositing and withdrawing cash and paying bills.