Barclays Local to be set up after closure of Leiston’s Main Street bank

Barclays has revealed it will set up a pop-up bank in Leiston when its branch closes later this year.

The banking firm is due to close its outlet in Main Street on May 17 as the number of customers using it continues to dwindle.

Its closure will leave Leiston with no banks – and the nearest Barclays branches are at least 20 miles away, in Ipswich and Lowestoft.

However, to continue to offer support to those in the town, a Barclays Local will be set up.

Opening in places such as town halls, libraries, mobile vans and banking pods, Barclays Local forms part of a new flexibility push as the role of branches evolves.

According to Barclays, fewer than 10 per cent of transactions now happen within physical outlets. The Leiston branch was only used by 64 people regularly.

A Barclays spokeswoman said they did not intend to make anyone redundant as a result of the closure.

The spokeswoman 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 Leiston, where we are delivering new ways to support our customers and the community with options for those who need in-person services.”

“In Leiston, 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.”

Barclays Locals do not allow for cash or counter service.

Everyday transactions can still be completed at Post Offices, while withdrawals can be done at cash points, Barclays said.

Customers can also still use telephone, online or video banking for their regular service.