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National
James Robinson

Barclays commits to maintaining presence in Prudhoe and Haltwhistle despite branch closure plans

"Positive talks" have taken place between high street bank Barclays and Hexham MP Guy Opperman after the company announced plans to close two sites in the area.

Barclays has announced several rounds of branch closures this year, with 84 already put forward since January.

And just last week, the bank announced it would be closing its branches in Prudhoe and Haltwhistle as part of a further 15 closures, bringing the total up to 99.

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The branch on Prudhoe Front Street is earmarked for closure on August 11, while the one on Westgate in Haltwhistle will close on August 18. Mr Opperman has been working alongside local Conservative councillors to retain in-person services for affected residents.

Mr Opperman said: "Access to cash and in-person banking are vital services to residents who cannot access online banking. I am working to encourage Barclays to ensure their customers in Haltwhistle and Prudhoe are not left behind after the branches close.

"We must retain in-person banking facilities for our rural communities and towns."

Coun Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, added: "I want to ensure that Barclays customers in Prudhoe are supported to ensure our town continues to go from strength to strength."

Mr Opperman has now revealed that he and Coun Stewart have held "positive talks" with Barclays. The bank has said it plans to open a "Barclays Local" - a pop-up cashless banking site where customers can meet a Barclays employee.

Mr Opperman added: "I welcome this meeting following Barclays' decision to close their Haltwhistle and Prudhoe branches."

Coun Stewart said: “I am delighted that Barclays have agreed to keep a presence in our town.

"There will be a change in facilities from the current branch, but local residents will be able to meet a Barclays adviser face-to-face.”

The nearest existing branch to both towns would be in Hexham, ten miles from Prudhoe and 15 from Haltwhistle.

It follows on from the news that the Barclays branch in Seahouses would also be closing, prompting a campaign from local residents and councillors to keep it open.

Speaking on the plans to open a Barclays Local Site in Prudhoe and Haltwhistle, Geoff Watson, Barclays Customer Care Director, said: "We're committed to both Haltwhistle and Prudhoe, and we look forward to announcing our Barclays Local sites as soon as we've secured a new location."

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