A HEREFORDSHIRE charity says that closing even more banks in Leominster "increases the risk of exclusion in society" for elderly people. 

Barclays and Halifax will be closing their branches in Leominster as more customers are reportedly veering away from using the high street. 

The Barclays branch in Corn Street will close on September 1, with Halifax shutting up shop in West Street on November 13.

In explaining its decision to close, Barclays said that it is seeing many customers choosing to use its app or online and telephone banking services.

"This has had a big impact on the number of customers coming in to see us," said a Barclays spokesperson.

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The firm added that, when deciding to close the branch, it looked carefully at how it’s been used and how customers are banking in other ways.

It said that 86 per cent of people who use the branch have also banked using the opp, online or by phone in 2021; 10 customers use the bank regularly as the only way to do their banking; and 35 per cent of the branch's customers have used nearby branches in the last 12 months.

"We’re finalising the details of where we’ll be based, and when, to support you with your banking, and we‘ll share the details locally once confirmed.

"We’ll be available to help you with things like day-to-day banking queries and helping you manage your money, though there won’t be access to cash at this site. We’ll also add the location and opening times on our website – just search ‘Barclays branch finder’."

This seems to go against what Hereford Times reader Alison Taylor saw at the branch last Friday when many customers were inside. She filmed the video below showing the branch busy with customers.

 

The double hit means that Leominster will be left with just two banks or building societies - Lloyds and Nationwide - after HSBC closed its branch in April. 

Neither Kington or Bromyard have a bank after recent closures, while Ledbury only has TSB. 

Sue Mosley, chief executive officer at Age Uk Hereford & Localities, said the charity supports older people across Herefordshire with a range of services to improve and sustain their physical, financial and mental wellbeing, with a significant number who are unable or do not want to use the internet.

"These tend to be those who are older and living in the more rurally isolated areas," she said.

"Many have relied heavily on our local banks to draw out the money they need to get through the week/month, and have often used this opportunity to shop locally and meet up with friends.

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"This latest announcement to close even more banking facilities in the town increases the risk of exclusion from society and the economy for a generation already struggling with the impact of the cost of living crisis, and trying to manage life following the pandemic. It will undoubtedly have an impact on the town centre, and the local economy."

Cllr Jenny Bartlett, ward councillor for Leominster East, added that she is worried about the cumulative effect of the closures.

"This is the largest market town and biggest service hub in the north of the county," said Cllr Bartlett.

"This is our money that they hold and use to create their profits, so can we find another way of providing a space for face to face service?

"It does seem they [Barclays] have done some work on who is affected by the closure which answers a lot of my questions, and a commitment to support users, presumably face to face? But the closure of the Halifax will be a big blow to the town too."