THE REASON a city centre bank was suddenly closed leaving customers stranded has been revealed.

Lloyds Bank in The Cross will be closed until Thursday (December 22) while the roof is being repaired.

The bank was forced to close in order to ensure the safety of staff and customers visiting the branch. 

READ MORE: Lloyds Bank, The Cross unexpectedly closes

However, several customers were unaware of the closure despite having appointments booked and were met with a locked building and a sign notifying customers it will be "closed until further notice". 

Worcester News: Lloyds Bank in The Cross reveals why it suddenly closed on December 19Lloyds Bank in The Cross reveals why it suddenly closed on December 19 (Image: NQ)

It had left them frustrated that they were not given any information before arriving for their scheduled appointment.

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A spokesperson from Lloyds Bank said: “Our Lloyds Bank branch The Cross in Worcester is temporarily closed while the roof is being repaired.

"The safety of our colleagues and customers is our priority, and we are aiming to reopen the branch on Thursday."

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On the bank's door a note read: "To customers, unfortunately, the branch will be closed until further notice.

"The nearest branches are: Droitwich, Kidderminster, Malvern Belle Vue. 

"We apologise for any inconvenience, if you have an appointment, the colleague will be calling to rearrange." 

Yesterday, Richard Wyke arrived at the bank at around 2pm in order to find it was closed. 

Mr Wyke, who has used the bank for 20 years, said: "We've had no information it would be closed.

"There was no sign of life and we had no information to say the bank was closed. 

"I feel betrayed by the bank. I feel shocked and dismayed by the lack of communication."

Mr Wyke said in the past 20 years, nothing like this has happened. 

The historic building has been used as a bank since 1862 and was created by William Forsyth who worked alongside architect Edmund Wallace Elmslie. 

After working on an array of projects in the late 1850s, the two worked together to build a bank in Worcester. 

On November 3, 1862, the Worcestershire Chronicle reported: "City and County Banking Company – some time ago we gave a detailed account of the plans prepared by Messrs. Elmslie, Franey and Haddon, architects of Malvern, for new buildings for the above company, to be erected at the Cross.

"These buildings are nearly completed, and will probably be opened about six weeks from this date.

"The contractors for the building are Messrs. Wood and son, of this city, and the furniture will be supplied by Messrs. F. Woodward and Co.

"The carving, of which there are some beautiful specimens about the building, has been wrought by Mr. Forsyth, of this city."