Charity says it doesn't want others to be 'cut off for days' as it calls for greater support after bank branches close
Lloyds has responded by saying 'the process wasn't as smooth as it should have been' and it's 'sorry for the distress caused'
A Devon charity has been given an apology and says it is seeking compensation after its accounts were frozen by error for days.
Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue say the issue occurred just before the Easter break - weeks after the local branch of Lloyds was closed down in Seaton - leaving them without access to money for five days.
The charity believe a form, from its external accountants, was initially rejected by the bank and the issue related to a 'stamp' by the person who prepared the accounts - rather than any incorrect information or an error by Munchkins.
Tammy Marx, from the charity, says it sets a 'worrying precedent' about being able to access money when there's no local branch, explaining: "It was a huge concern, not having access to any money whatsoever.
"Our accounts were just closed without warning, and we had a pony in veterinary hospital with an expected £5,000 bill that wouldn't have been released without our paying the bill.
"We had bills to pay to our regular vets, our farrier, for feed, our workers, our part-time self-employed staff.
"It was an impossible situation. There were three of us and we were in such a state. We were on the phone continually from eight or nine in the morning until six in the evening and there was no help. Absolutely no help whatsoever, we could not get through to anybody who could do anything.
"What is someone supposed to do in a situation like that?
A spokesperson for Lloyds said: "To protect our customers, we have to follow specific regulatory standards when confirming how accounts are operated.
"On this occasion, this process wasn’t as smooth as it should have been and we’re sorry for the distress that this caused the rescue centre.
"We’ve now received everything we need and the rescue centre’s account is back up and running.”
Ms Marx has also praised all the charity’s supporters who she says have been ‘amazing’ by offering money or feed, or positive support through comments – and helping share the story in the hope it could resolve the situation.
Munchkins was established in 2014 to provide a safe haven for miniature Shetland ponies in need – becoming a charity in 2015. Its site in East Devon is not open to the public, but does have an annual open day in August. There’s more about the charity’s work here