Barclays is closing 14 additional branches; see whether yours is one of them.


This year, Barclays will close 14 more branches in England and Wales. Following the announcement of the closures, Barclays aims to launch several "banking pods" as part of its Local program. In response to evolving client needs, the bank intends to extend its "flexible banking formats." The banking pods will be purpose-built, semi-permanent facilities positioned in locations such as shopping malls and retail parks. Following the success of the first pod, which was put in St Austell, Cornwall, the bank said that at least ten of these pods, which can be moved based on demand and provide a dedicated, private location, will be rolled out across the UK by summer 2023. The Barclays Local project involves the bank collaborating with local councils and communities to establish a presence in public areas such as libraries and town halls. 

In addition, Barclays will add six electric vehicle (EV) banking vans to its existing fleet of ten, allowing them to reach customers in rural areas. Its "cashback without purchase" program, which expands the number of venues where individuals may withdraw cash for free from thousands of small companies, will also be expanded. "Barclays Local provides a flexible way to reach customers in new locations and retain a presence where customer footfall has decreased, bringing face-to-face support to convenient locations," said Jo Mayer, head of everyday banking at Barclays UK. "As branch visits continue to decline, we must rethink where and how we show up to provide the best service for customers now and in the future."

The following banks announced shutdown on Monday:  

•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 

Barclays has stated that it will continue to evaluate its physical locations, which include branches, pods, and pop-up services. According to Which? data, the number of branches and free-to-use ATMs has decreased in recent years. Which? "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," Money Editor Jenny Ross said. "As a result, it's critical that new legislation safeguards free access to cash for the millions of people who rely on it," she added. Barclays has not yet revealed where the pods will be erected, but it is expected that they would be dispersed throughout London, the Midlands, and the North East. "The government must guarantee minimum levels of access without charging fees," Ross added, and "the Financial Conduct Authority must be given powers to oversee the cash system to ensure it meets community needs." 

By Covenant 








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