Beeston residents have shared their thoughts on the numerous building closures which continue to take place on Beeston high street.
This comes as two Beeston bank branches, NatWest and Lloyds Bank, are set to close following the closure of a Barclays bank branch in June 2022.
Independent shop owner of Plane Tree, Shelly Wood, said: “It is a shame that so many places are closing on the high streets.
“For the banks, I understand banking and transactions are more accessible online nowadays.
“However, it is still sad to see the high street change so much.”
Lloyds Bank reasoning for closure is due to changes in service usage and the branch being used less frequently due to online banking.
78 per cent of customers using the Beeston branch have alternatively used other Lloyds Bank branches, internet banking or PhoneBank.
She added: “The closure of the in-person branch is a loss, and will have a knock on effect, with fewer reasons for people to come and look at independent businesses like us.
“It’s a shame.”
NatWest’s bank is scheduled to shut on Wednesday, January 25 at 1pm.
Beeston resident, 85, said: “The branch closing does not affect me as I rely mainly on online banking.
“It is a shame because it is a nice branch and has been there for a long time, however, it is just a sign of the times.”
He added: “This change is difficult for a lot of people, especially elders having to adapt to online banking, almost as if they are being forced to use it now where as they used to have an option.”
