Residents of Shepton Mallet have taken to social media to express their frustration and anger at the news that the town's only bank will be closing its doors this summer.

The decision by LloydsTSB to shut down its branch in the town has left many residents feeling abandoned and without options.

For many in Shepton Mallet, the bank's closure will significantly impact their daily lives. Local businesses will no longer have access to the same level of banking services, and residents will have to travel further afield to access cash machines or deposit cheques. Many elderly residents, in particular, are concerned about managing their finances without a local branch.

The announcement of the bank's closure has sparked a wave of anger and frustration among residents.

Alan Marable wrote: "How are people who don't have their own transport supposed to get to a bank? I know a lot of people who aren't on the internet or don't have computers or smart phones , and Lloyds phone lines take ages to answer . This is the start of a cashless society and a lot of people are going to be left behind."

Many people in Shepton Mallet feel that the decision to close the bank is short-sighted and will hurt the local economy. The closure of the branch will make it more difficult for small businesses in the town to access finance, and could deter new businesses from setting up in the area. It could also have a knock-on effect on property prices, as the lack of banking services may make the town less attractive to potential buyers.

Sue Dawson wrote on the Shepton Mallet Nub News Facebook page: "Such very sad news, how are people meant to do their banking? Not everyone wants to do Internet banking. It's very inconvenient as now you have to take a trip to Wells. This could be the final nail in Shepton Mallet's high Street."

Rachel Kaya added: "This is another reason why town centres are suffering they no longer have banks or post offices that would bring people into town for a purpose. People would then do some shopping. So sad to hear this news."

Some residents have also expressed concern about the closure's impact on vulnerable community members. With the nearest bank branch now several miles away, many elderly or disabled residents will struggle to access the necessary banking services. This could leave them vulnerable to financial abuse or scams, as they may be forced to rely on less secure financial management methods.

While online banking has undoubtedly made it easier for many people to manage their finances, it is not a viable option for everyone. For some, particularly those who are elderly or less tech-savvy, access to a local bank branch is essential.

Shepton resident Mark Nixon said: " This do-it-online lark is killing everything we knew and understood. No banks, building societies - even shops very soon....everybody gone online or on the phone and get scammed and robbed."

While John Holt said: "All the money banks make and they want more - no social conscience whatsoever. For the elderly and others who don't use the internet, this is unforgivable."

The closure of the branch in Shepton Mallet is part of a wider trend of bank branch closures across the UK. In recent years, many banks have closed their branches in smaller towns and rural areas, citing the rise of online banking and the need to cut costs.

Consumer guide Which? suggests banks and building societies have closed, or have scheduled to close, a total of 5,355 branches since January 2015. This works out at around 54 branches each month - and there are more coming this year.

Speaking about the closure of the Shepton branch, Lloyds TSB said it will introduce 'community bankers' to provide banking support to the town.

A spokesperson said: "Our customers are increasingly using digital channels to manage their money – we now have over 20 million regular digital users so it's important we continue to develop the online services our customers want to use. Our branches will remain an option for our customers, alongside our telephone services, mobile app and online bank.

"All of the branch locations announced for closure have a Post Office and at least one free to use ATM nearby. As with all proposed closures, these plans have been through LINK's independent cash-access assessment, where a number of enhancements have been recommended. All closures have been made in line with the Access to Banking Standard and FCA guidance."

The people of Shepton Mallet are determined to fight the closure of their bank. They are calling on Lloyds Bank to reconsider its decision and to listen to the concerns of local residents.

Whether their efforts will be successful remains to be seen, but the strength of feeling in the town is clear. For many people in Shepton Mallet, the closure of their bank is not just an inconvenience, but a serious threat to their way of life.