West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has this week blasted Lloyds Bank’s chief executive over a decision to reduce the opening hours at its branch in Upton-upon-Severn. The MP wrote to António Horta-Osório complaining about the lack of consultation ahead of a major change to the way local people will be able to access bank services in the town. Harriett has written to the CEO calling for a formal review of the decision before it comes into place in June. Lloyds is the last high street branch in the town and local people rely on the branch to do personal and business banking as well as using the vital cashpoint machine. Harriett commented: “I have been extremely disappointed by the way Lloyds Bank has behaved and I have written to the chief executive to complain formally and asked him to explain the thinking behind this proposal. “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 with the town and its customers. “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. Although it is good news that most of the Government’s shareholding of Lloyds has now been sold at a profit, I still think that these banks owe a special debt to the hard-pressed taxpayers and customers who bailed them out when times were bad. “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.”