Hucknall branch of Lloyds Bank set to go part-time under new pilot scheme

Lloyds Bank will move to part-time hours on an initial temporary basis as part of a new pilot scheme being rolled out by the banking group.

Under the terms of the scheme, the Hucknall branch will now be closed on Tuesdays and Fridays, while the neighbouring Arnold branch will be shut on Thursdays.

The Hucknall branch has consistently escaped the axe over the last few years while Lloyds has closed several other branches across the country amid the rise of online and digital banking.

But many local people will be worried this new development could be the start of a slippery slope that will eventually lead to the branch closing permanently.

Hucknall MP Mark Spencer has expressed his concern over this and says it is vital branches like Hucknall remain open.

Posting on his Facebook page, he said: “I have been contacted by residents concerned about news the Hucknall branch and Arnold Branch of Lloyds Bank may be closing.

“Having spoken to Lloyds, they are piloting the Hucknall branch opening part-time and not opening on Tuesday or Friday.

"The ATMs will still be available to use, and you can use the Post Office for withdrawing cash, and paying in cash and cheques on those days.

“Obviously, I am disappointed by this, and have written back to make it clear how vital these branches are and I do not want to see them permanently close.”

Lloyds say that they have not made any announcements regarding any plans to close the Hucknall branch.

A spokesperson said: “We’re always looking at how we help customers, which includes making sure our colleagues work flexibly, and move to where customer demand is highest.

"This means we’re testing a new way of working in our Hucknall branch and it will be closed a couple of days each week, as colleagues will be helping customers in other parts of our business.

"Alternative nearby branches (in Bulwell, Arnold and Nottingham City Centre) will remain open, so customers can use a branch on these days should they need to, alongside banking on their mobile app or online, or use the local Post Office.”