RESIDENTS of Holsworthy who bank with Barclays have been left in shock after receiving a letter stating their local branch will be closing.

The bank will close on Friday, October 13. The nearest available branch will be in Bude but the Post Office in Holsworthy has reassured customers they will be able to carry out everyday transaction with them.

Barclays say the closure is mainly due to a decline in customer usage.

The bank stated in their letter to customers ‘the decision to close a branch is never an easy one’ but they will be producing a booklet about why they have taken the decision and say it will provide ‘more information on the alternative ways to bank, once the branch has closed’.

A lady from Clawton, who banks with Barclays, said she was ‘so angry’ and thinks it is a ‘kick in the side’ for Holsworthy to lose the bank’s services.

She said: “Our next Devon branch is in Bideford. Bude Barclays ok is closer but this isn’t the point, we might have three other banks in town but they are not Barclays. What are locals supposed to do when making complex decisions, which can only be done in branch?

“As we are all getting older why should we have to ‘go online’ or drive to Bude when we have a long established bank in town.”

A gentleman who banks with the Holsworthy branch said: “I’ve got a couple of accounts there. For me I can go to Bude but there will be a lot that can’t.

“They are just crossing the ts and dotting the is. I have had a very comprehensive letter saying there will be a booklet at the branch giving information. Two weeks before it closes there will be a second booklet giving details of feedback from the customers and local community around their concerns and additional action we have taken [Barclays] to help customers.”

Barclays informed customers that a second booklet would be produced two weeks before the branch’s closure. This booklet will give details of the feedback they have received from customers and will attempt to address concerns and provide any additional action the company have taken to help customers.

Spokesperson for Barclays Andrea Edge, acting community banking director for Barclays Devon and Cornwall, said: “The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices. At Barclays Holsworthy branch, customer usage has continued to decline and on average 42% of our customers now regularly use alternative branches, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close it.

“We hope that the availability of our nearest Barclays branch at 2 The Strand Bude, and access to services at the local Post Offices located at 13 The Square, Holsworthy, along with our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers.”

Barclays will be hosting ‘tea and teach’ sessions in the Holsworthy branch up until its closure for customers who wish to explore digital banking.

For more information visit home.barclays/ukbranchclosures