BANKS and building societies are closing dozens of branches across the UK this month – and Barclays is no different.
The high street bank is closing 22 across the UK as it transitions from face-to-face to online banking.
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HSBC, Halifax and Lloyds are also shutting up shop on a number of branches too.
The data comes from LINK, the UK’s largest cash machine network, which reveals when the closures are planned for.
HSBC is set to close 11 branches in April while Halifax is closing six and Lloyds half a dozen.
Natwest is closing six branches while Nationwide is pulling down the shutters for good on one.
This is the list of Barclays branches closing in April:
- Bargoed, Rhymney Valley – April 14
- Barnoldswick, Lancashire – April 14
- Bedale, North Yorkshire – April 26
- Bishop Auckland, County Durham – April 21
- Bridgwater, Somerset – April 26
- Flitwick, Bedfordshire – April 14
- Gosport, Hampshire – April 26
- Guiseley, West Yorkshire – April 12
- Heywood, Rochdale – April 28
- Hunstanton, Norfolk – April 12
- Keswick, Cumbria – April 21
- Leeds, West Yorkshire – April 21
- Macclesfield, Cheshire – April 14
- Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire – April 18
- Newham, London – April 20
- Oakham, Rutland – April 28
- Shenfield, Essex – April 19
- Southwark, London – April 13
- Stamford, Lincolnshire – April 28
- Tower Bridge Road, London – April 19
- Warley, Sandwell – April 21
- Wymondham, Norfolk – April 28
What can I do if my local bank branch closes?
Banks closing is no new thing – more and more have been shutting as customers transition to online banking.
But it can mean those without online banking, such as the elderly, are left struggling to carry out all the banking tasks they need to.
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If your local branch is closing down and you are wondering what you can do, you have some options.
You can always try driving or getting public transport to your next nearest branch.
If that’s not an option, try setting up an online banking account.
How you do this will vary from bank to bank so you should check with yours what you have to do.
For example, Lloyds Bank customers are asked for their date of birth, postcode and bank account details.
Next, they have to create a user ID and password and pass a security check.
Following this, they have to take down a four-digit code, read it out then they should be all set up.
Most major banks and building societies have apps too, so you can bank from your iPhone or Android.
If you don’t, or can’t, set up online banking, and your nearest physical branch is too far away, you can always switch to a bank that has a branch close to you.
You can do this using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
You just have to join the new bank and they will handle the switch for you, given they are signed up to the service.
You will need to choose your switch date and organise moving any bank statements across though.
You can get hold of old statements by contacting your existing bank.
Some banks offer cash switching bonuses too – but make sure you only switch because the account is right for you.
Beyond this, you can use one of the Post Office’s 11,635 branches to carry out most basic banking tasks.
You won’t be able to open a new bank account or take out personal loans and mortgages though.
Some banks offer customers mobile banking services too – this is where a bus drives to your area offering the same services you can usually get in a physical branch.
It’s worth contacting your bank or building society to see if they offer such a service.
Other banks set up portable hubs in village halls and libraries.
Plus, banking hubs, which offer traditional shared services, have also been set up in four locations around the UK — Brixham, Cambuslang, Cottingham and Rochford.
LINK recently announced plans for a further eight locations to be opened up in the UK – taking the total number of planned hubs to 47.
