A petition is underway to appeal against a Belvedere bank closure which could see hundreds of residents travel up to 3 miles to the next bank.

Lloyds Bank in Nuxley Road is set to close on May 28.

The petition raises concerns of the elderly struggling with the commute and shops who use banking services.

Since launching yesterday, the petition already has more than 100 signatures.

Tilly Pantlin, who started the petition, said: “It’s such an important service for the small businesses that trade in Belvedere village.

“It would be awful to lose the small number of independent shops we have if they are unable to bank locally.

“The village and surrounding area of Belvedere is also home to many elderly residents.

“Some of whom are unable to travel on public transport to Bexleyheath or Woolwich.

“For those who can, it’s not very safe for them to carry large quantities of cash around with them if they are elderly and vulnerable.

“I understand that a lot of banking is done online.

"However, many people feel safer and more in control of their money when having the guidance of actual humans.

“It’s good we are evolving with technology and moving forward with the times, but sometimes certain circumstances mean people need a local bank.

A Lloyds Bank spokesperson said:

“We have made the difficult decision to close Belvedere on 28th May 2020 due to the changing ways customers choose to bank with us, which means the branch is being used less often.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause; customers can continue to bank locally by visiting the nearby Post Office, which is less than half a mile from the branch.

“The nearest alternative branch is Bexleyheath.”

The page has reached 101 signatures out of the targeted 200 at the time of publishing.

To sign the petition visit at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/revoke-lloyd-s-bank-closure-belvedere?share=dd162eac-8f33-45e1-a2ad-d286131e46f6&source=email-share-button&utm_source=emai&fbclid=IwAR2L1kN8EnQhswrbKGPhdXyBOL-LBG6FbF_fvCNOs0mPcIPosXoaYe1tQwE