Barclays announces closure of Castlepoint bank

Barclays is to close its Castlepoint shopping centre branch on Wednesday, September 20 after reporting a drop in in-person customer visits. 

The bank says just 20 customers use the Castle Lane West branch regularly, with 93 per cent of customers opting to bank via an app, online or by phone in 2021. 

A spokesperson said: “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.

Barclays Castlepoint (Image: Daily Echo)

“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’.”

Read more: NatWest announces branch closures in Bournemouth and Christchurch

He added Barclays will be working with its customers to understand the impact of closing the Castlepoint branch and will publish its findings in due course. 

Wendy Davies, shopping at Castlepoint, said: “There have been a lot of banks closing lately but that’s the way the high street is going. 

“I think we are heading more towards a cashless society.” 

Neighbour NatWest will close in August (Image: Daily Echo)

Meanwhile, Scott Jackson, 54, also doing his shopping, added: “I haven’t been to a bank for a long time because I do all that stuff on my phone now. 

“It is easier doing it in person but then again, how often do we all need our bank really?” 

The closure comes months after NatWest announced it will be closing three Dorset branches. 

Like Barclays, NatWest has seen a reduction in the number of regular customers and a shift from in-person banking to online. 

That Castlepoint site, which has just 11 regular customers, will be closing on August 8.