Watch a video before you buy your lamb chops

SIR – When did banks cease to be service providers?

I recently had a most peculiar experience at Lloyds. I was required to make an appointment to open a new monthly savings account (as I was not receiving any interest on my current one). I was seen by a young man, who asked what exactly I wanted. I explained, and he asked for my card. He then informed me that I had three accounts and proceeded to tell me the balance on each one.

I replied that I knew all this, and requested the form to open the new account. I was then asked what I was saving for.

I admit to getting irritated here, as I felt this was my business alone. He went off to get the form, then said I had to watch a video before he could open the account. I declined and left. Later, the bank manager rang me to ask why I had not opened the account. I explained that, having banked with Lloyds for 64 years, I did not need to see a video to open an account. She told me this was the only way to do so, and had been the bank’s practice for five years.

I wrote to the complaints department, which replied that I had to watch the video in order to be sure I was applying for the right “product”.

When the people who dreamt this system up go to buy a joint of lamb, are they required to watch a video to ensure that they are receiving the right joint?

Maybe they should be made aware of all the other products that the butcher has to offer.

I am now transferring my banking to another provider.

Rev Wendy Griffith

Long Sutton, Somerset