THE decision to reduce opening hours of Upton's Lloyds Bank has been blasted by the West Worcestershire MP.

Harriett Baldwin has hit out at the bank's chief executive over the decision to radically reduce opening hours to Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am and 3pm only, as of June 1, with the lack of consultation to the town's people a major point of her anger.

MP Baldwin said: "I have been extremely disappointed by the way the bank has behaved.

“The first we all heard about this matter was when signs were placed in the window of the branch. "That is not an appropriate way to communicate.

“I would have expected that at a minimum the town council, the local trade association and customers would be consulted before such a radical change is carried out.

“Businesses and residents have to rely on Lloyds as the last bank in town to do their banking and this gives them a greater responsibility.

"These banks owe a special debt to the hard-pressed taxpayers and customers who bailed them out when times were bad."

She has is now calling out for a formal review of the decision before it comes into place.

The Gazette revealed the closures last month, with Lloyds Bank stating the revised opening times reflected the usage of the branch.

The bank has declined to comment on this latest development however.

Upton Town councillors expressed fears that the closures could lead to the bank closing permanently, taking the cash point with it, leaving the town without one at all.

It was brandished a "disaster" if this came to fruition, as it could have a negative impact on the town's footfall, especially when festival season comes around.

The other concern was over the cash point being able to cope with its demand for withdrawals, as the bank's staff will not be on hand as often to refill it with cash if the closures come into affect.

The MP has also echoed these concerns.

She said: "Of particular concern is the cashpoint service, and I have asked Lloyds to ensure that the machines are fully functional at all times and are able to cope with peak demand periods, such as when tourists visit the town’s very popular music festivals.

“I hope that we will gain some concessions from the bank and help it to see sense rather than sneak this change in without proper consultation.”