IT was the end of an era this week with the closure of another major bank branch in Ross-on-Wye.

It was announced in March that the Lloyds Bank branch in the town’s High Street would be closing on Monday December 2.

And customers aware that the branch was closing on Monday, offered the banking staff their best wishes for their future careers and told them they would be missed.

A Lloyds spokesperson said on Monday: “As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to our Ross branch have fallen over recent years.

“The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs. Customers can also manage their money through our mobile banking apps, online, by calling us or speaking to a community banker.”

The spokesperson pointed out with the Ross branch closing, 79 per cent of its personal customers at the branch already use other ways of banking, such as mobile, internet or phone banking, as well visiting as other branches.

The spokesperson explained that mobile banking gives people access to their accounts at all times of the day and the power to view, understand and manage their money in one simple place.

The Post Office at The Maltings, offers personal and business customers everyday banking services, access to cash, paying in of cheques, and more.

A Lloyds Bank Community Banker will be available at the Library in Ross, every Thursday, from December 12, between 9am and 3pm offering face to face targeted support for as long as the community needs it.

In making the decision to close, the company considered how often customers used the branch, the current services available, and the branch opening hours.

The banking giant also considered how many people visited the branch and assessed alternative ways to bank in the area and how customers, including those who are vulnerable or may need additional support, would be affected.

The nearest Lloyds Bank branch to Ross is in Monmouth, however this branch will also be closing next year. The means the nearest Lloyds Bank branches are located in the cities of Hereford and Gloucester.

In response to the announced closure, Cllr Louis Stark, who was the Mayor of Ross at the time, said: "The Town Council is deeply disappointed to see the announcement of another national bank, this time Lloyds, planning to close its branch in Ross.

“Our community has many elderly residents who prefer to use face-to-face services and may not have access to broadband and online banking facilities.

“We recognise that they can use the Post Office, as an alternative, but the closure will limit the options available to them and lead to the loss of another ATM cash machine in the Town."

The town now only has two banking organisations left in the town, Santander and the Nationwide, having lost the NatWest Bank in June 2018, Barclays Bank in August 2021, the TSB in June 2022 and the HSBC in June 2023.