Lloyds Bank has announced plans to close its branch in Verwood leaving the town without any local banks.

The branch, at Bank Court, 10 Manor Road in Verwood will close on September 7th following a review.

Lloyds Bank says it has seen fewer people use the branch recently as more customers choose to do most of their everyday banking online.

The review says just 156 customers used the branch regularly in 12 months to January 2022.

The nearest Lloyds Banks still open are in Ringwood and Ferndown, but Verwood’s Post Office, at 11 Manor Road, will also carry out most banking services including paying in cheques and withdrawing money.

Branches in Broadstone, Dorchester and Swanage are also closing as part of a plan to close 20 across the country.

Verwood Library runs sessions for anyone needing help and support using a computer to start online banking.

Lloyds Bank says: “Like many other high street businesses, we’ve seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years as more customers choose to do most of their everyday banking online.

“We’re responding to the way our customers use our branches. We’ll continue to invest in our branch network, but we have to make sure our branches are where customers need and use them most. As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to close this branch because customers are using it less often. In addition the majority of customers are also using alternative ways to bank.”

Verwood once had almost half a dozen banks, including Halifax and HSBC. Barclays closed its doors in November 2017.