'Delight' as bank plans to reinstate cheque deposits
BBCA woman who campaigned against Lloyds Bank removing cheque deposit services at the Post Office has shared her "delight" after it announced plans to reintroduce the service.
Annabel Yates, from Crackington Haven, Cornwall, had struggled to deposit a cheque and urged the bank to "not forget" rural communities, after what she described was a "backwards thinking" decision to stop the service in January.
Lloyds Banking Group said although cheque usage was in decline it "recognised some customers want greater choice" and was in talks with the Post Office to re-establish the service. The BBC has approached the Post Office for comment.
Yates said she felt "very optimistic" her voice had been heard.
ReutersYates had urged the bank to "reconsider their policy" as she believed it "disenfranchised the rural population".
She said: "Sometimes you have to speak up for things that you believe in, even though it can be a little bit uncomfortable along the way.
"To take on a big banking group with a small issue like ours, and for them to actually listen, it's incredible that they've made this decision.
"We're really, really thankful."
'Didn't make sense'
Joanna Bickersteth, postmistress at Marshgate Post Office near Boscastle in Cornwall, said it was a "positive turnaround" and she was "really pleased" for her customers.
She said many of her customers used cheques regularly and had commented to her how difficult it had made their lives.
She said: "I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the Post Offices - it just didn't make sense at all.
"It's just making it back to, as it should be. Banking should be easy for all."
Devon County Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin said the reversal would "help support residents, farmers, charities, community groups and small businesses", while also "strengthening the role of Post Offices and Banking Hubs".
One hundred and twenty-one MPs from across the country wrote to Lloyds after it became the only major UK bank to stop customers paying in cheques at the Post Office.
Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, said it was a "real sticking point" for many of his constituents and businesses and it was "fantastic news that Lloyds have relented after lots of pressure".
Rebecca Smith, Conservative MP for South West Devon, said she was "really pleased" with the reversal of the decision and it was an "encouraging step forward".
Lloyds Banking Group, which includes Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, said most of its customers deposited cheques through its app, at branches and via its free post service.
However, it added: "While these services are working well, with many customers choosing these quicker, more convenient options, we recognise some customers want greater choice and we're working to make cheque deposits available through the Post Office and Banking Hubs until 2030."