A petition has been launched to save a bank branch from closure which would see people “lose the freedom to use cash”.

Southampton resident Trish Crocker is taking a stand against the decision to shut Lloyds in Bitterne.

The branch is the only Lloyds bank in the precinct, but it is earmarked for closure from the start of next year.

For Trish, the decision is purely “profit making” with no consideration for the people that use it.

She said: “Visible branches cements trust between the bank and customers, not just the elderly, but society as a whole.

“Many people are using banking apps on their mobile phones or internet banking on their computers.

“This has reduced the demand for in-person banking services, so the banks are shutting branches to reduce costs.

“It’s ok to say people can telephone or pop into a branch some distance away, but that will impact not only the elderly and those who for medical reasons can’t do so, but low-income families who don’t have the funds to pay bus fare, or mobile credit, too.”

READ MORE: Anger as bank closure will impact ‘ordinary working people’

Trish is keen to know how banks such as Lloyds will approach issues, such as the mobile banking system going down.

She is concerned that hackers will use malicious software to target banking apps.

Trish added: “In Hedge End, there is a Lloyds and a NatWest only feet apart, so why close the last bank in Bitterne when it is so busy?

“Lloyds should consider a business hub, a branch where multiple banks could have a customer service desk.

“We are losing the freedom to use cash.

“This isn’t just about the elderly or infirm.

“If we’re looking at the bigger picture, for those customers who can access online banking easily, why would they choose to be loyal to a British bank if it’s only online?

“We can opt to go with banks from other countries, and the British banking industry is putting themselves at risk.”

The Bitterne branch is one of 55 set to shut nationwide, according to Lloyds Banking Group.

Lloyds in Shirley high street is also earmarked for closure.

Visit www.change.org/p/prevent-the-proposed-closure-of-lloyds-bank-branch-in-bitterne to sign the petition.