Many residents in Chesham have reacted to the news that a frequently-used bank in the town is set to close.

It has been confirmed that Lloyds along the High Street will officially shut down in February 2025.

In all, nearly 250 banks from the Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland) will cease by the end of next year.

The news has caused shock and uproar in the town, with many taking to social media to express their concerns over the amount of physical banks in the area.

This is mainly down due a lack of demand, and with more people using online banking when dealing with their finances.

One person said: “Just the building societies left after Lloyds leave, isn't it?

“A shame that the banks couldn't have used the M&Co site as a hub, sharing the costs between them. (Just a thought!).

“It's sad to see so many empty places up and down the town centre [in Chesham].

“Is there anything that can be done to reverse the trend, and refresh the situation?”

This online user said: “A sad state of affairs.

“Chesham’s completely gone to pot, shop rentals go up so high no one stays here long.

“How are the elderly going to cope without a bank or cash point?

“Most rely heavily on cash so they don’t overspend on their pensions.”

This person said: “That's three branches of Lloyds that have effectively moved me on over the years.

“I wonder how long before Hemel and High Wycombe fall by the wayside.

“Useless for people who don't have a car and the bus service is less than ideal.”

One person came up with this solution: “Can’t see why the four big banks don’t take over one.

“So Lloyds and all share the facilities and expenses to offer their customers at least one place in Chesham to discuss issues you can’t do online.

“Airports share desks why not banks?”

Some of have stated that whilst they understand the demand isn’t as popular as it was many years ago, human interaction is needed when dealing with money.

This person shared their views and expressed: “I would have no issue using telephone or online banking if you could get through to a human being in a reasonable time scale.

“Going into the bank has been a lot more profitable than hanging on indefinitely waiting for someone who may or may not answer your call.”

The news mean, in total, 109 Lloyd branches, 87 Halifax and 41 Bank of Scotland will cease by the end of 2025.

Here is a full list of closures – some have taken place, whilst others will occur in several months.

Lloyds:

Abingdon, Oxfordshire – July 24, 2024

Bletchley, Buckinghamshire – March 3, 2025

Chesham, Buckinghamshire – February 24, 2025

Wokingham, Berkshire – July 8, 2024

Halifax:

Bicester, Oxfordshire – February 2, 2024