GRADUALLY, over the last year, banks in the market town I frequent, have closed. Lloyds, my bank, has not. Until now. Just last week a letter arrived informing me that it would be closing and they would be happy for me to avail myself of their internet services or use three other branches, all at a considerable distance away.

I am gutted. The staff in the bank are friendly, helpful and amazingly address many of their customers, including me, by name. Patience as well is a sterling quality they display.

A high percentage of customers are elderly and maybe not interested in internet banking. On market day, there is always a queue of traders needing to bank cash or get change.

Customers drawing cash, who are like John my husband, unwilling to succumb to the lure of the totally digital and cashless economy. The staff deal with everyone with unfailing courtesy, professionalism and efficiency.

The whole approach seems very short-sighted. Pocklington, where I bank, is rapidly expanding. New houses being built.

There is much talk of pressures on the schools, doctors, dentists and the whole infrastructure of this market town.

I shall open a post office account. Seems like a step back in time? Believe me it is not. The post office is friendly and efficient and can offer me all the services I require.

Meanwhile, John is ultra smug that the branch of the bank he, and the farm account has always used, is staying open. True the agricultural advisor is no longer local, but instead ensconced in a branch half-way across the country.

But the agricultural advisors from banks have rarely displayed any credibility when they turn up to ‘review’ the account and try to put their costs up. John, has suggested I move my private account to his bank. But I view this with suspicion.

There is definitely something in the maxim of what’s yours is ours and what’s mine stays mine in this case.

I have never seen the farm account as a personal treasure trove. I know how hard won every penny in there has been, but it does offer domestic, as well as business security.

Whereas my pennies offer the opportunity for secret splurges which do not have to be accounted for to John’s keen fiscal oversight.

So here’s hoping that Lloyds reviews it closure proposal and bows to local pressure to keep the Pocklington branch open, otherwise I’m off to the post office. Fingers crossed that doesn’t shut.