The Bitterne branch of Lloyds Bank has been a pillar of our community for several years, serving many locals like my elderly parents who have built a deep connection with the branch. This branch is representative of the era when banks were not just institutions, but an essential part of the community fabric, offering services that can be hard to replicate online. We understand the importance of online services, but it's also important to remember not everyone is online.

Our branch is the last standing bank in Bitterne. It is not just a matter of convenience but a lifeline for our elderly population. Without it, the older members of our community, many of whom don’t have access to or don’t feel confident to use online services, will be shut off from crucial banking services.

The closure of Lloyds Bank Bitterne will not just impact the bank's loyal customers but also the vibrancy and economic activity in our community. We have seen first-hand the consequences of previous branch closures - the difficulty of traveling to far-off branches, the dwindling foot traffic in our local businesses, and the diminishing sense of community.

The scale of this issue extends beyond the borders of Bitterne. A study by the Federation of Small Businesses found that 94% of small business owners in the UK still use high street banks, and that 38% feel branch closures have had a negative impact on their businesses. (Source: Federation of Small Businesses, UK)

We urge the decision-makers at Lloyds Bank to consider the profound impact the closure could have on customers like my aged parents who have relied on Lloyds as their trusted financial institution for all these years. It's not just a branch at stake, it's the heart of our community.

Please join us in our plea to keep the Lloyds Bank Bitterne branch open. Sign the petition.