Monday (9 March) will be an historic day for Tunstall as the last bank in town closes its doors for the final time.

Many years ago, the city's most northerly town had several banks – and photos from the past show a bustling High Street, packed with open stores and shoppers.

A walk along Tunstall High Street in early March 2026 reveals a much quieter scene however, with several empty or shuttered shops. The only people present on the streets are at the bus stops, waiting to go elsewhere.

In Tower Square pigeons and church bells are more likely to be heard than human chatter. One place seems to be drawing people to it, but that is the Lloyds Bank where opening days are numbered.

A poster on the front door announces the bank branch is closing on March 9 2026.

It will be the end of an era, as Lloyds follows in the footsteps of Barclays, Natwest and Cooperative Bank, which have all shut in Tunstall within the past nine years.

Lloyds customer Mark Johnson, who lives in Tunstall, will be sad to see the branch close next week. He said: "They're all shutting, one by one.

"I will have to go all the way up to Hanley. I will have to catch a bus."

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Burslem resident Christine Wood said: "I'm not happy about it, not at all. I think it's terrible.

"I've been a Lloyd's customer 30 years. They've got a branch in Hanley, but they're not staying this end of the city.

"The town is declining and without the banks, people don't come in. There's nothing for us.

"I can remember walking up and down the High Street when you could get anything there, from DIY to food. Now you can't.

"I will be getting buses to Hanley, but the buses aren't like they used to be. I can do it, but when you have got shopping it is a trudge."

As she walks away, a queue is forming at the cashpoint outside the bank branch.

Christine Wood (left) and Mark Johnson (right) (images via Kerry Ashdown LDR)

A branch review, carried out in 2024, revealed it had a 'regular monthly branch usage' of 1,081 customers – that was based on customers who'd used the counter or 'immediate deposit machine' in four out of six months ending July that year.

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The branch review also showed how 38 per cent of 'personal customers' had used other Lloyds branches in a 12-month period up to July 2024.

Meanwhile 81 per cent of customers had used other branches and internet banking in a six-month spell to that point, with 38 per cent using the branch and the Post Office in a 12-month period.

Confirming the closure more than a year ago, the finance giant said: "Before we close any branch, we look at how our customers are managing their money and using the branch.

"Most customers are now using our Mobile Banking app, Internet Banking or calling us instead, which means they are using branches much less. Because of this, we'll be closing our Tunstall branch."

A few doors down at Tower Square, trader William Lewis at Doggy Dolittles said the Lloyds closure will be a great loss to the town. He added: "It is going to affect it, no doubt about it.

"I think the effect on the High Street will be a significant reduction in footfall. People coming to the town have got to go elsewhere for their banking facilities.

"The banking hub has started up in the Post Office, but it is smaller. If the cash point goes, people will have to go to the one at Asda and then nobody comes back – it will be a significant impact."

Elsewhere there is concern about the loss of bank visitors to other parts of the town, such as the indoor market.

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Trader Pat Wainwright, who runs the Patty Buttons stall, said: "If they're coming in for that particular reason, at least they are using the town and the market.

"If not, they haven't got to bother, we haven't got that and we lose again. I will be sad to see it go."

Pat Wainwright (left) and William Lewis (right) (images via Kerry Ashdown LDR)

Although the last single bank branch will be gone from Tunstall after Monday, there will still be banking facilities. The town has followed Stone, Cheadle and Rugeley in gaining a banking hub.

The facility has opened at the Post Office in Tunstall High Street. It is being delivered by Cash Access UK and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Customers can deposit cash and cheques, withdraw notes and coins, check balances, pay utility bills and top up gas and electricity, as well as arranging face-to-face appointments with community bankers from their own bank for more complex enquiries, including payments, transfers, account management, and support with online banking.

Natwest operates from the hub on Wednesdays and Barclays on Thursdays, while Halifax will be there on Tuesdays and Lloyds will offer services on Mondays.

Stoke-on-Trent North MP David Williams said: "I am proud to have helped secure this banking hub for Tunstall. Too many residents and small businesses have been hit by bank closures, and people should not have to travel miles just to access basic banking services.

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"When Lloyds announced its plans to close its Tunstall branch last year, I held meetings with both Lloyds and Cash Access UK to ensure that residents would not be left without access to vital banking services locally.

"I am proud to have worked closely with Aaron at the Post Office and this hub puts proper, face-to-face banking back where it belongs — in the heart of the community.

"It will make a real difference for local people, particularly older residents, vulnerable customers, and small businesses, and it strengthens Tunstall High Street at a time when access to everyday services really matters."

Aaron Elanchelian, who runs the banking hub, said: "The securing of a banking hub is a significant win for our town. We are grateful to David Williams for his hard work and determination in ensuring residents and businesses continue to have access to vital banking services locally in Tunstall."