IT was announced today (June 30) that Barclays is to close its Bude branch on Friday, September 29.

Barclays reports that only 18 customers use this branch regularly as the only way to do their banking, with 8% of customers using nearby branches in the last 12 months.

In its report, stating reasons for closure, Barclays said: "Back when we opened this branch, visiting us in person was one of the only ways to do your banking. Now, as there are lots of ways to manage your money without even leaving your home, we’re seeing many customers choosing to bank using our app, and Online or Telephone Banking. This has had a big impact on the number of customers coming in to see us.

"When deciding whether to close this branch, we looked carefully at how it’s been used and how customers are banking in other ways.

"We want to reassure you that we’re here to help. We’ll stay in your community and you’ll be able to talk to us in person. 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’."

They add: "We’ll be working with the local community to understand the impact of closing this branch. Once we’ve gathered feedback, we’ll publish the results in a booklet called ‘Branch closure feedback’, which you can get from your branch or online at home.barclays/ukbranchclosures

"In the meantime, we’ll be here in person until this branch closes, to answer any questions you have and help you with the move from using this branch to alternative ways to bank."

The nearest branches to remain open upon closure are Wadebridge and Barnstaple.

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