LEDBURY'S bank drain continues, with Lloyds announcing it will close its High Street branch on October 1, because of a considerable fall in the number of users.

Figures from an official Lloyds review state that the bank's counters in Ledbury are 25 per cent quieter than a year ago, and only 36 customers now use the branch "on a regular weekly basis".

There are 27 per cent fewer personal counter transactions than at "a typical Lloyds Bank Branch".

The review states: "We have made the difficult decision to close this branch because customers are using it less often. In addition, the majority of customers are also using alternative ways to bank."

But Ledbury residents have responded to the news with concern and, in some cases anger, because this will be the third major bank to quit the market town in a little over two years. HSBC moved out in the summer of 2016 and Nat West left last June.

The closure of Lloyds in the autumn will leave just one on-street cash machine in the High Street/Homend itself - the ATM of Barclays.

And only Barclays and the TSB will remain as banks in an expanding town of 10,000 people.

Town councillor and Homend trader, Annette Crowe said: "The scarcity of ATM machines in Ledbury is a major problem. When Barclays was closed for refurbishment, the Lloyds ATM ran out of money on a Friday night.

"The ATM at Tesco's had no money and I ended up have to go to the Co-op ATM for money, in New Street."

She added: "It's unacceptable that in a town of this size we will end up with just one street ATM, outside a bank."

Cllr Crowe added: "This is so short-sighted, especially with all those new families set to move into Ledbury, because of the new estates; and businesses have to do banking every day of the week, and traders having to take time out to get to Hereford is not acceptable for any small business."

Susan Hepburn, posting on the Ledbury Reporter Facebook site called for people to vote with their feet.

She said: "So there’ll just be two banks left - Barclays and TSB. It’s all very well people going on about online banking. I do a lot of mine online. But there are times when that won’t do, especially for businesses. The simple matter is, even younger people like contact with people. You know, that thing, rarer than hens’ teeth, it seems, called, ‘Good Customer Service'. People need to object. If they aren’t listened to, it’s actually very straightforward to move your account.

"We tend to be lazy but voting with our feet, as it were, is the best way to teach companies a lesson, be it a bank or a supermarket. Take your custom elsewhere."

Local resident Zoe Wheeler, posting in the Voice of Ledbury Facebook site, spared a thought for people, such as the elderly, who are uncomfortable with internet banking.

She said: "It makes things very difficult for people who don’t want or can’t use internet banking, especially elderly folks who don’t have cars or computers."

She added: "People transfer accounts to the next town and then find those banks are closing down. Post offices have already been made smaller or have closed in many villages."

And Melissa Boyle said: "Every time they suggested online banking I’ve refused. I’m determined to avoid online banking until the bitter end.

"Our brilliant post office is already over stretched. Many shop keepers need cash for the till and to pay staff. Closing all the banks is madness!"

Other residents openly mocked Lloyd's latest television advertising campaign.

Susan Roig said: "This makes a mockery of their advert; ‘You’re not alone’ .

"Hmm, I think people will be. "

And Fiona Penwarne said: "Oh the irony - I've just seen an advert - 'Lloyds Bank, - by your side'!"