Mildenhall Lloyds mobile bank to be cancelled from May 2024 as West Suffolk councillor Andy Neal condemns decision

A councillor has condemned the decision made to cancel a Suffolk town’s mobile bank branch.

Lloyds bank's mobile branch currently visits Mildenhall every two weeks on a Monday, but will no longer come to the town from May 2024

The decision comes after the former Lloyds bank in the high street announced its closure in 2021.

West Suffolk councillor Andy Neal, who represents the Queensway ward in Mildenhall, said: “The Mildenhall community has been let down yet again by our banks.

“The mobile bank was meant to be compensating for pulling out of the high street and I understand most people bank online or on their phone, but what about those that don’t.

“The financial sector is letting the general public down and no longer values providing a service - it’s profit over customer care.”

"This really is simply a sign of the times but very disappointing at the same time.”

Cllr Neal added: "The fortnightly mobile banking service for Mildenhall went part way to compensate for the high street branch closure and Lloyds customers in Mildenhall and nearby villages that used the mobile service will now feel deserted and undervalued.

"Maintaining a presence and support, even if only fortnightly, helps develop the customer base of tomorrow for Lloyds.

"I feel this decision is short-sighted and budget-driven on behalf of a company that promotes itself as being a caring brand."

The Barclays branch in the town’s high street also closed its doors in June.

Lloyds’ mobile bank branch currently visits Recreation Way in Mildenhall every two weeks on a Monday between 10.30am and 12.45pm, with its last stop on May 13, 2024.

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

“The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs, alongside other ways to bank such as online, phone and mobile banking services.”

They said that 64% of their personal customers already use mobile, internet or phone banking, as well as other branches.

In the lead up to the closure, mobile bank branch staff will be on-hand to offer support and guidance to customers and, after the bank stops visiting the area, there will be a community banker who will attend "to offer face to face support for as long as the community needs it."