West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin sought to calm fears amongst traders in Upton-upon-Severn after Lloyds Bank confirmed the closure of a near-by branch. The bank confirmed that it plans to close its branch at Barnard’s Green next March and several local traders contacted Harriett about concerns that this may have a knock on effect in Upton. Harriett raised local concerns about the company’s commitment to the town with Lloyds chief executive António Horta-Osório in meetings last year. The company has also written confirming that the branch is not part of plans to re-structure its network. The branch reduced opening times at the town’s only bank but committed to ‘keeping a branch in the community’. Harriett commented: “I have been contacted by local residents seeking reassurance that Lloyds' current round of branch closures will not affect the town. "I can confirm that I have had a recent written reassurance from Lloyds that the Upton branch is to remain open."