Another Lloyds Bank branch in Torridge is set to close within months

The Bideford branch of Lloyds Bank will close in January, it has been announced.

Between January and October 2026, Lloyds Banking Group will be closing 49 branches – 26 Lloyds, 10 Halifax and 13 Bank of Scotland.

The Bideford branch at 5 High Street, an ornate Grade II listed building constructed in 1892, will close for good on Tuesday, January 13, the group has said.

It will leave Barnstaple as the only Lloyds branch left in North Devon and Torridge. The Okehampton branch is set to close in March.

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It is part of the group’s ongoing move towards increased mobile banking and it says more than 21 million customers now use banking apps.

A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said: “The way people are banking has changed, with over 21 million customers choosing our apps to manage their money. We’re providing more choice than ever before, bringing together the best in digital convenience with our people.

“Alongside our app, our customers can use any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, the Post Office or Banking Hubs for their everyday banking, and deposit cash at over 30,000 PayPoint locations.”

In Devon, Lloyds is also closing the Ivybridge and Totnes branches.

It said people who work at the affected branches will be offered a role at another branch or in another part of the business.

In August last year, the Gazette revealed that North Devon man Tony Fleming, who was born and raised in Barnstaple, had bought the Bideford Lloyds Bank building for £315,000, with plans to develop apartments on two floors.

Mr Fleming said then he hoped Lloyds would continue with its lease, although he doubted that would happen.

But he said he would like to explore a proposal with local councillors to establish a banking hub on the ground floor, which he envisioned as a space where people, particularly the elderly, could access cash and receive face-to-face advice.

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Above: Tony Fleming (centre) is pictured outside the bank in Bideford with his business guru Samuel Leeds and wife Lana. Credit: Philip Shanahan

He added: “While I recognise that banking methods are evolving rapidly, many older and vulnerable members of our community continue to rely on in-person services, where face-to-face interaction remains essential.

“While Bideford is set to benefit from substantial investment in the coming years through the Levelling Up Fund, the loss of a key banking facility will be troubling for many.

“Banking services will still be available at the main Post Office on The Quay and at other locations in the town, but these cannot fully replace the accessibility and reassurance offered by a dedicated bank branch.

“I will be seeking urgent discussions with senior officials at Lloyds to obtain a full explanation for this decision and to understand what alternative provisions will be put in place and what safeguards are being implemented by Lloyds for the elderly and vulnerable.

“It is imperative that Lloyds upholds its responsibilities to ensure continued access to banking services for all members of the community.”