BARCLAYS Bank has confirmed it will be moving into premises in Swadford Street, Skipton, following the closure next month of its High Street branch.

The Barclays hub, in the Swadford Centre, which until was until 2022, a base for Age UK, is due to become a replacement service for Barclays on Friday, March 8, the day after the closure of its High Street branch. It will be open Monday to Friday, but not Saturdays, from 9.30am to 12.30pm; and from 1pm to 4pm.

Barclays says it will offer 'face to face financial support and education for customers, without the need to travel', but not everyday banking transactions, such as cash deposits and withdrawals, which will have to be done elsewhere.

A Barclays spokesperson said: "Customers visiting us at The Swadford Hub will be able to access a wide range of services including assistance with everyday finances and money management - such as helping customers opening accounts, updating customer details, or paying bills - free digital skills workshops and fraud and scams awareness events for the community.

"As the replacement service is a cashless site, everyday banking transactions, including cash deposits and withdrawals, will need to be completed at a local Post Office."

When Barclays first announced the closure of its High Street branch last year, it said it would consult with customers, councillors and Skipton MP Julian Smith.

Mr Smith said he had been deeply disappointed by the decision and has continued to press Barclays for alternative banking arrangements, regularly passing on the concerns of constituents who have contacted him.

Julian Smith said, “I am obviously disappointed by the decision to close the Skipton branch. For years, it has been a key part of the Skipton community, with residents and businesses alike reliant on the services it provides.

“I am pleased though that Barclays will maintain a regular, in-person service here in Skipton. It’s key that, between the hub and the Post Office, customers continue to be able to access the full range of support that they’ve relied on for years.

“Over the coming weeks and months, I will continue to work closely with Barclays to ensure that no one is left behind by this change.”

Barclays says it is committed to deploying a range of more flexible ways that customers can physically interact with the bank. It now includes more than 300 pop-up banking sites located in town and city centres in spaces such as community centres, libraries, and business hubs where it offers drop in and pre-booked appointments.

Barclays High Street branch is due to close on March 7.