BARCLAYS is to close its bank in Barnoldswick, it was announced today.

The Church Street branch, which will close on April 14, is one of 15 across the country due to close in April, and on top of 11 other Barclays branches already said to be closing this year.

Barclays says it is not planning to leave Barnoldswick entirely and is in the process of finding a suitable site for a Barclays Local - a pop-up cashless banking site where customers will still be able to seek help in person.

It says there are no plans to make anyone redundant as a direct result of the closure and it 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.'

Skipton Barclays, in the High Street, is not earmarked for closure, and will become the nearest larger branch - along with the Burnley branch for Barnoldswick customers.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking.

"This is reflected at Barnoldswick branch, and as we adapt, we are finding new ways to support our customers by maintaining our community presence with options for customers who still require in-person support.”

“In Barnoldswick we plan to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up 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 says it is rolling out the largest network of community banking sites in the UK for customers wanting support in person. Over 150 in locations such as libraries and community centres, are already open.

Customers have a wide range of options to complete their banking including the Barclays app, Telephone Banking, Online Banking and Video Banking

Everyday transactions can be completed at any Post Office with the closest located at 9, Frank Street, Barnoldswick, where there is also a free to use ATM machine

Barclays says 16 regular customers currently use the Barnoldswick branch exclusively for their banking and do not interact with the bank in other ways; it adds fewer than 10 per cent of transactions now take place inside a branch.

The bank also plans to offer virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch based banking.