Barclays have confirmed that it will close its last remaining branch in Powys.
The bank confirmed that it will be closing its last remaining branch in Builth Wells and replacing it with a Barclays local that will be a cashless site where customers can get financial advice.
A Barclays spokesperson said: “As visits to branches continue to fall, with the majority of people preferring to bank online, we need to adapt to provide the best service for all our customers. This is reflected at Builth Wells, where we are delivering new ways to support our customers and the community with options for those who need in-person services.”
“In Builth Wells we plan to open a Barclays Local – a cashless banking site where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for banking support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel. We are currently working with the local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed.”
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The branch is set to close on March 6 next year and the bank have said they do not intend to make anyone redundant as a direct result of this closure.
The new Barclays Local that will be available is described as a flexible community presence in places such as town halls and libraries, mobile vans and banking pods. Customers will be access a range of in-person support such as help with digital banking, financial reviews, balance checks, transfers and bill payments.
Barclays said the closure was due to a drop in use of the branch and said that less than 40 regular customers use this branch exclusively for their banking.
They added that regular customers will receive a letter about their decision to close document and posters will be displayed in branch, and colleagues will be on hand “to assist customers with any concerns they may have”.
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They said that they will be “proactively engaging with local businesses” and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally.
The closure will mean the closest Barclays branches customer in Powys are now in in Hereford and Carmarthen.
MP for Brecon and Radorshire, Fay Jones voiced her anger about the closure. In a statement on social media she said: "I am furious to learn that Barclays in Builth Wells will be closing in March next year.
“This is not 24 hours after Lloyds Bank withdrew their mobile service in Crickhowell and other branches in Ystradgynlais, Brecon and Llandod have closed in recent years.
“This is a huge blow. It feels like the banks are abandoning rural areas at speed. Rural, often vulnerable residents are being left behind for the sake of profit.
“I will be contacting the Banking Minister to arrange an urgent meeting to discuss what can be done to make sure my constituents are properly serviced by the high street banks.”
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