Sarah Barker

The Co-operative Bank will be closing its only Lincolnshire branch later this year.

Co-op Bank Lincoln on Saltergate will officially close at 1.30pm on Thursday, May 24.

The closest branch will now be located in Nottingham.

They put the closure down to a continued change in how customers choose to bank.

According to the Co-operative, in the past year a significant number of customers have switched to digital banking and transactions carried out in branch have decreased.

Heather Lauder, Chief Banking Operations Director at The Co-operative Bank said: “This decision has not been taken lightly and we realise this may be difficult news for some colleagues.

“However, like many banks, the proposal reflects changes in the way our customers are choosing to bank with us, which has continued to accelerate as customers increasingly undertake more of their transactions online or via contactless payments.

“Our branch network remains an integral part of our overall customer service offer and we have been investing in those branches that are well used.

“At the same time we are investing in our digital services to provide customers with new ways to service their accounts such as web chat and secure messaging, and introducing digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay as they continue to demand access to banking services at their fingertips.”

As first reported on Lincolnshire Business.

A Barton-Upon-Humber dad has been reunited with the ambulance crew who helped save his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest at home.

Tony Chapman, 62, was out playing snooker at the Corn Exchange in Barton on Friday, September 16, 2016, with his son, Alvin, when he began to feel unwell.

With no history of heart problems he didn’t think he was having a heart attack.

At 10.30pm he walked into his home to wife Ellen and lay down on the sofa. Alvin, who had completed his first aid at work certificate, recognised the symptoms of a heart attack and called 999.

Moments later Tony became unconscious and stopped breathing. Wife Ellen made a frantic second 999 call and Alvin performed chest compressions on his dad.

Minutes later Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Services (LIVES) Doctor Mark Clayton was on scene and able to provide vital defibrillation to Tony.

He was followed by paramedic Mike Watkinson and ambulance crew Nicola Jenson and George Gregory.

After shocking Tony and stabilising him, they transported him to Hull Royal Infirmary Hospital. Once arrived, he went into cardiac arrest again.

Whilst in hospital, Tony was shocked a further 11 times. He was transferred to Castle Hill Hospital for a stent to be fitted.

Tony said: “I feel so privileged to be able to say thank you and for the fact that I am here.

“I had plans to retire and I have now been given the chance to continue the plans.”

Paramedic Mark said: “It is nice to feel appreciated and know that the actions we take have an impact on people’s lives.”