Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hundreds in New Addington have signed petitions to save the Croydon area’s last bank, warning closure could isolate elderly and vulnerable residents.
On January 14, 2026, the Lloyds store on Central Parade is scheduled to close, maybe permanently. Many residents worry that the change will deny them access to basic financial services, forcing them to go to Croydon town center or beyond.
In a strong local backlash, residents have taken to social media and signed petitions in opposition. Local resident Jessica Cres highlighted her security concerns on Facebook, saying:
“So many people rely on Lloyds. Being able to withdraw money inside the bank makes many residents feel a lot safer.”
Valerie Oliver added:
“This is awful, us oldies use this bank all the time, don’t do any online stuff at all, can’t use those new type phones, means we have to rely on our children again, they do enough as it is.”
John Reid said:
“This is not right, we seem to be losing everything in New Addington, let’s fight to keep it open.”
During a visit to New Addington, local resident Richard Salami told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS):
“It’s the last one we have up here. We will have to travel all the way into Croydon to do in-person banking.”
Many locals emphasised that not everyone in the area uses cards. One resident told the LDRS that businesses on New Addington’s Central Parade should consider installing a cash till after Lloyds’ closure, or risk losing local trade.
One resident, who has lived in New Addington for 20 years, told the LDRS:
“What is the actual point of a high street nowadays? Unless you want a vape, a haircut, or fried chicken, there’s nothing for you.”
The branch already operates a reduced counter service, fuelling fears that the closure decision has been long in the making. Kirsty Pearce, of local voluntary group New Addington Pathfinders, told the LDRS:
“This decision would have been factored in years ago.”
High street bank closures have been a common occurrence, much like in many communities throughout the United Kingdom. Similar circumstances occurred in Norbury last year, when locals lost their last bank branch in spite of a campaign led by Steve Reed MP, the current Housing Secretary.
Croydon East MP Natasha Irons expressed serious concern over the planned closure. She said:
“For people living in and around New Addington, this bank is not a convenience, it’s a lifeline. Local banks provide critical in-person services for vulnerable people and access to cash.”
Ms Irons also warned against assuming everyone can use digital services. She said:
“Banks can’t just assume that everyone can or wants to move online. When I applied for a banking hub in Selsdon last year, LINK told me it wasn’t needed because New Addington still had a bank. Now that bank is closing, leaving residents completely cut off.”
LINK, which manages the UK’s network of cash machines, has conducted a local assessment in New Addington to determine whether a banking hub is needed. These hubs offer a shared space for local banking services, operated by multiple banks.
Both Ms Irons and local Conservative leaders have set up their own petitions, calling for Lloyds to reverse the decision. In a statement supporting the Conservative petition, Mayor Jason Perry said:
“New Addington is renowned for its incredibly strong sense of community and is a great place to visit, with lots of good shops.
The area has seen huge investment from my administration, with its library now open five days a week including Saturdays, as well as more frequent grass cutting and bin collections. However, the closure of this bank will hurt the Parade and mean some people will have to travel miles to access a high street bank. We urge Lloyds to reconsider.”
Local Conservative Councillors Lara Fish, Tony Pearson, and Adele Benson have encouraged residents and businesses to sign their petition, which has garnered hundreds of signatures. They said the community will not accept losing its last bank.
A Lloyds spokesperson said:
“The way people are banking has changed, as more than ever, customers are choosing to manage their money through our app. The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close-by free-to-use ATMs. Customers can also manage their money on our app, online, or by calling us.”
According to Lloyds, clients can utilize any Lloyds or Halifax outlet, the Central Parade Post Office, PayPoint cash deposit sites, or free ATMs in the area. The bank stated that it has promoted the usage of its mobile banking app and is getting in touch with consumers regarding these options.
While Natasha Irons’ petition is accessible through this form, the Conservative petition is located on Jason Perry’s website.
How can residents set up a community banking hub in New Addington?
Gather proof that the neighbourhood does not have adequate banking services. Document the ramifications of bank closures on elderly and vulnerable residents, small enterprises, and cash access.
Consult local residents, community groups, local government, and banks to generate awareness and support. Engage local councillors and MPs as advocates for the hub.
Identify a premises within the neighbourhood which has the correct accessibility. If possible find a premises that is close to other services/ facilities and of an adequate size and appropriate condition to be a banking hub.
Such talks could include building owners or landlord discussions around rental agreements if necessary. Legal and planning permissions could be important in this process and could take longer particularly if in a listed area or conservation area.