Threatening letter from Lloyds' solicitors

[travelagent]

I am claiming just over £2000 from Lloyds and am at the stage where they have filed a defense and transferred the hearing to my local court. Unfortunately I will be on holiday on the date of the hearing-what should I do? Ask for a postponement of the hearing or let it go ahead in my absence?
I have also received a letter from their solicitor reiterating that they will be defending the claim and also asking me to contact my branch within the next 14 days to "consider whether your current banking arrangements are the most appropriate for your needs". They also say that the "situation which gives rise to a dispute is not one the bank wishes to continue".
I interpret this as a veiled threat that unless I go away quitely that they will shut my bank account after 30 years with the same bank. Is this standard or a new tactic?

[Rooster-UK]

If you don't attend court and let the claim proceed, the claim will be struck out and the bank wins, by default.
You need to write to the court and explain that, on the date of the hearing, you will be on a pre-arranged holiday with your family and respectfully ask that the hearing be delayed until your return.

Write to the bank and point out that the latest communication from their solicitors suggest that they are planning to close your account. If they do that, you will consider it to be retaliatory which is in direct conflict with the F.S.A. who have declared that banks should NOT take retaliatory action against their customers. Inform them that if they do close your account, you will make an official complaint to the F.S.A. and also that you will suggest compensation.

Meanwhile, open a parachute account, just in case they close it regardless. See the following link........

Do you need a parachute account?

Regards, Rooster.