Central Devon MP Mel Stride has welcomed a commitment from Lloyds Bank to continue to provide mobile banking services across his Central Devon constituency despite a drop in footfall. The mobile service, provided in North Tawton, Chagford, Hatherleigh, Moretonhampstead, Ashburton and Bovey Tracey, was paused in March 2020 due to the pandemic but opened again in late 2020 with a fortnightly service for the majority of stops.
Mr Stride said:
“We have sadly seen the closure of many bank branches in our constituency in recent years due to the rapid increase in online banking. But not everyone has access to the internet and some of those who do, particularly those who find using a computer difficult, don’t feel comfortable banking online. Mobile banking services may not be used by many people, but are a real lifeline for those who do.”
Barry Ratcliffe, West Devon Borough Councillor for Exbourne Ward, which includes North Tawton, said:
“The mobile banking service provided by Lloyds here in North Tawton is particularly valuable to some of our older residents in and around the town who find online banking difficult. The service also saves car trips to Okehampton which is good for the environment.”
Nicky Heyworth, West Devon Borough Councillor for Chagford Ward, said:
“The Lloyds Mobile Banking Service that comes to Chagford Health Centre is a much-valued local service and I’m very pleased it will continue. I expect that at least some of the reduction in usage has been due to the pandemic and that hopefully footfall will increase again when we get to the spring and summer.”
