Barclays has announced plans to close 14 more bank branches across England and Wales. It follows an announcement in January that 15 branches would close.
The full list of bank closures announced today are:
- Llandeilo - 46 Rhosmaen Street
- Mold - 38/42 High St
- Saltburn-by-the-Sea - 12 Station Street
- Tiverton - 24 Fore Street
- Honiton - 106 High Street
- Caterham - 10 The Square
- Wallington - 112 Woodcote Road
- Folkestone - 65/67 Sandgate Road
- Chippenham - 66 Market Place
- Holmes Chapel - 1 The Square
- Holmfirth - 13/15 Victoria Square
- Bootle- 337/339 Stanley Road
- Loughton - 207 High Road
- Cambridge - 28 Chesterton Road
Jenny Ross, Which? money editor, said: “While many consumers have embraced digital banking, there are still millions, including the elderly, vulnerable and isolated, who aren’t yet ready or willing to make that switch – and they must be protected.
“Our figures show how the number of bank branches and free-to-use ATMs has been slashed in recent years, so it’s vital that new legislation protects free access to cash for the millions of people who rely on it.
“The Government must guarantee minimum levels of access without fees being charged and give the Financial Conduct Authority powers to oversee the cash system to ensure it meets community needs.”
Barclays branches scheduled for closure announced at the end of January:
– Gosport-43/44 High Street-April 26
– Bedale-18a North End-April 26
– Bridgwater-16 High Street-April 26
– Heywood-2 Church Street-April 28
– Stamford-46/49 Broad Street-April 28
– Oakham-10 High Street-April 28
– Wymondham-45 Market Street-April 28
– London-19 Fleet Street-May 3
– Watton-56 High Street-May 3
– Chislehurst-7 High Street-May 4
– St Helens-19 Church Street-May 4
– Radlett 221 Watling Street-May 5
– Leyburn- Market Place-May 5
– Talbot Green- 3 Ely Valley Road-May 5
– Oundle-2 New Street-May 5
Barclays plans to launch a string of “banking pods” after announcing branch closures. The bank said it will expand its “flexible banking formats” in response to changing customer needs.
The plans include the launch of new banking pods, which will be purpose-built, semi-permanent structures in locations such as shopping centres and retail parks.
The pods will provide a dedicated, private space and can be moved depending on demand, the bank said.
At least 10 will be rolled out across the UK by summer 2023 following the success of the bank’s first pod in St Austell, Cornwall, Barclays said.
The bank has not yet revealed the locations for the pods, but it is understood they will be spread out, potentially popping up soon in areas such as London, the Midlands and the North East.
The pods are part of the Barclays Local initiative.
Under the scheme, which Barclays is expanding, the bank works with local councils and communities to arrange a presence in places such as town halls and libraries.
Barclays added that six electric vehicle (EV) banking vans will be added to an existing fleet of 10, further enabling it to reach customers in remote locations.
It will also grow its “cashback without purchase” service, which has created new locations for people to withdraw cash, free of charge, via thousands of small businesses.
The bank said it will continue to review its physical sites, including branches, pods and pop-up services.
Jo Mayer, head of everyday banking at Barclays UK, said: “Barclays Local provides a flexible way to reach customers in new locations and retain a presence where customer footfall has reduced, bringing face-to-face support to convenient locations.
“As visits to branches continue to fall, we need to reimagine where and how we show up to provide the best service for customers now and in the future.
“Our new banking pods and community pop-ups help us to tailor our in-person support for each location, including support with digital skills.
“In areas where we close a branch, we will maintain our presence in that community, offering an alternative face-to-face solution.”
Barclays is also part of industry efforts to increase the amount of banking hubs, where different banks operate out of shared spaces.
