Lloyds Bank has announced it is to close its Oakham branch in the autumn.

The move was announced today as part of a programme of 44 bank closures announced today by the Lloyds Banking Group. They comprise of 29 Lloyds Banks and 15 Halifax branches.

A Lloyds Bank spokesperson said: "We have made the decision to close the Oakham branch on 29th September 2021 due to the changing ways customers choose to bank with us, which means the branch is being used less often.

"Customers can continue to bank locally by visiting the nearby Post Office, which is less than half a mile from the branch. The nearest alternative branch is Melton Mowbray."

People who bank at the branch at 49 High Street will have their accounts transferred to the Stamford branch, where the Lloyds Bank will remain open, along with the group's Halifax branch.

The bank further reported:

"· 77% of our personal customers in Oakham already use other branches and other ways to bank such as online and telephone banking, and 50% of our personal customers already use other branches, such as Stamford branch.

· The nearest Post Office is Oakham, 30-32 High Street which is 0.07 miles away and we will be talking to customers to let them know about the services they offer. Personal and Business Banking customers can withdraw money or check their balance, as well as pay in cheques and money to their account at any Post Office branch.

· The nearest free to use ATM is 0.08 miles away.

· Customers will have their accounts realigned to Stamford branch, which will not change the way their accounts are managed. They can use any branch for their banking needs, as well as using the other banking options available to them. The nearest alternative branch is Melton Mowbray which is 9.36 miles away."