Friday 01 May 2026

Further to my email yesterday regarding the difficulties with our church bank account, can I thank you for your patience while we have been working through the situation with Lloyds Bank.

I received an update this morning confirming that the block on our account has been removed while they review the documentation we originally submitted in February (which they had been unable to locate). This means that the account is now active again, and we are able to send and receive payments.

However, as a result of the account being blocked over the past week, any payments made into the account during that time will have been returned to the sender.

If you had a payment or gift due to be sent to us between 24th Apil and 1st May, could I kindly ask that you:

• Check your bank account to confirm your payment has been returned (I'm confident it will have been).

• If so, can I kindly ask you make a one-off payment (for the amount returned) to us through a bank transfer. Please pop into the office and see one of staff if you need help with this.

If this does not apply to you, or you have not made a payment recently, please feel free to disregard this request.

Regular Standing Orders/payments should continue as normal with immediate effect, and no changes should be needed.

We are continuing to work with the bank to ensure everything is fully resolved and will keep you updated if anything further changes. Luke Pollard MP is also supporting us through the process having 'registered his interest' in our case with Lloyds Bank. It seems we are not alone in experiencing these issues.

Thank you again for your understanding which is greatly appreciated.

With every blessing

Jonny 

On behalf of the Trustees of Plymouth Methodist Central Hall

Thursday 30 April 2026

We are currently experiencing unexpected difficulties accessing our bank account with Lloyds Bank and are uncertain whether the account will remain open. Although this situation is disputed by the bank, it has arisen due to an administrative oversight on their part. However, our account has been 'blocked' and is in the process of being closed. Despite ongoing efforts to resolve the issue, we have not received any assurance that the closure will be averted.

At present, any payments made to our Lloyds account are being rejected. Some of you may already have noticed payments returned to your account. We are also unable to make any payments from our account.

Should Lloyds reverse their decision, any returned payments will need to be resubmitted. Alternatively, if the account is closed, we will open a new account and provide you with updated details so you can amend any Standing Orders or regular payments. For reassurance, all monies currently held with Lloyds Bank will be forwarded to us should the account be closed and used to open a new account with another bank.

For those who will be at PMCH on Sunday morning (3rd May), I will be in the Parlour after the service to answer any questions or concerns you may have. I will also be present at the evening service to do the same.

I apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and will keep you informed as the situation develops. I would also appreciate your patience with our staff team, most of whom are currently focused on navigating a way forward. 

Jonny Libby

Lay Pastor
On behalf of the Trustees of Plymouth Methodist Central Hall