What next for Sidmouth after last bank closes?

Sidmouth's last high street bank is set to close on 5 September this year.

All is not lost for those who prefer face-to-face interaction, however; Simon Jupp, the town's MP, has confirmed a 'banking hub' is on the way.

Banking hubs allow customers from a variety of banks to deposit and withdraw cash, pay in cheques, pay bills and use other services.

The Conservative MP for East Devon, who launched a local campaign to gauge demand for such a service, said that location scouting has begun to find a suitable site.

He added it will be open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and that Lloyds told him it would keep its Sidmouth branch open for up to six months beyond the closing date if the hub is not yet operational.

The banking hub will also reportedly be staffed by high street banks for help with mortgages, loans, pensions and more.

In terms of statistics, Lloyds said 35 per cent of people using its Sidmouth branch were over 75, and 74 per cent were over the age of 55 - but 59 per cent fewer people were making transactions there in 2022 compared with 2017.