HSBC UK has introduced its first standalone Cash Pod in Nailsea.

On February 1, the town's last bank, Lloyds, will close, but residents will still be able to access their cash at the pod in the Crown Glass Shopping Centre.

The North Somerset pod is the first of ten expected to be opened by HSBC UK this year following news from the bank that it will not announce any new branch closures in 2024.

Although the exact locations of the nine additional Cash Pods are yet to be finalised, they are expected to include a farm shop, car parks and shopping centres.

They will include access to defibrillators for the community, bike racks to help with sustainable transport and living walls to bring additional greenery to the area.

The Nailsea pod allows all residents and businesses to withdraw cash, whilst HSBC UK customers will be able to deposit money in a convenient location.

The machine, which features internal cash recycling, will also enable customers to check their account balance, print mini-statements, activate a card and reset the PIN, and make payments linked to their HSBC UK credit card.

The pod will provide access to cash for 24 hours a day.

HSBC UK has said that it is "excited" to be opening its first Cash Pod in the town and that it will continue to improve and maintain its "local presence."

This will run alongside digital and remote banking.

Oli O’Donoghue, managing director of HSBC UK’s branch network, said: “We continue to invest tens of millions of pounds into our branch network and local communities. We fully understand a community’s need for access to cash and are excited to be launching our first Cash Pod in Nailsea.

"This marks the start of a new initiative for HSBC UK as part of our strong focus on maintaining and improving our local presence, alongside digital and remote banking.

“We understand the impact of the recent bank closure on the community, and we are excited to assist with access to cash with this new standalone Cash Pod.”