ANGRY Hagley residents who launched a petition to save the village’s Lloyds Bank branch from closure have been told the plans are being delayed.

As part of a nationwide review of their network, Lloyds announced several closures across the country, with the Hagley branch originally scheduled to close this month.

However, following the intervention of residents and Hagley Parish Council, the bank’s senior management has agreed to defer the closure until October 5, to coincide with the expected completion of the village’s post office renovations.

Parish Councillor Mark Fenton said: “We are pleased that Lloyds Bank has listened to concerns of residents and taken this action to delay the closure, which will give local people and businesses more time to make alternative banking arrangements.”

Lloyds is the only remaining bank branch in the village, following the closure of Barclays and HSBC in recent years, and with the temporary closure of the post office, losing Lloyds would leave Hagley residents having to travel to nearby towns or villages to complete their banking.

Cllr Fenton added: “We understand the post office will be open again in October, so hopefully the agreement to keep Lloyds Bank open until then will mean some level of local financial transaction service in the village can be seamlessly maintained.”

A spokesman for Lloyds Bank said: “We can confirm that the West Hagley branch will now be closing on the October 5, 2017.

“We have extended the date of closure as the local post office, which provides an alternative banking facility to this community, will be closed for the next few months for refurbishment.

“We are in the process of updating our posters and leaflets in branch to keep customers informed.”