AN 80-YEAR-OLD disabled woman says banks are penalising old people who don’t have computers.

Pamela Meed feels distressed and disappointed due to 'simple banking tasks becoming impossible'.

Pamela and her husband John, 83, live in Swanage but must commute to Poole to access their nearest Barclay’s bank.

The couple, who have mobility issues and are disabled,  had to travel to Wareham to hire a wheelchair for Pamela for her to make the journey.

“We did have a Barclay’s in Swanage but that shut a few years ago,” said Pamela.

“Now we have to take cash out at the post office and come to Poole if we need any assistance.”

The couple do not own a computer and are unable to use internet banking, meaning any small query requires a long commute to Poole.

“The banks are penalising old people who don’t have computers.

“It’s okay for the people who can use computers but not for us elderly who can’t.”

Nationwide is now the only bank that remains in Swanage. 

Pamela and John have been with Barclay’s since the 1980s and said they don’t want to change banks ‘at this stage in their lives’.

READ MORE: Closed NatWest bank to become coffee shop

On Wednesday, they made the hour-long trek for a bank appointment that lasted less than 30 minutes. 

“It makes banking so difficult for us.

“We had to travel such a long way for something that could have been sorted locally.”

Pamela said the banking provider does offer at-home services, however, two employees must be available to make the visit which causes long wait times and delays.

“I could end up waiting weeks just to do a simple task,” said Pamela.

“Anything could happen in that time.”

The couple want banking providers to acknowledge the needs of their elderly customers who do not suit modern online banking.

As previously reported, most major bank providers have been closing branches across the country due to an increase in people choosing to bank online rather than in person.

In the summer, Barclays announced it would be closing its Castlepoint branch due to falling customer numbers.

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

"When we make the difficult decision to close a branch, including Barclays Swanage in October 2018, we proactively reach out to our elderly and vulnerable customers to discuss alternative ways in which they can continue to bank with us. 

"This includes everyday cash transactions at the local Post Office, mobile app, internet, video and telephony banking.

“For those customers who aren’t digital savvy or do not wish to use online or travel, telephony banking can be undertaken from the comfort of their own home. 

"We encourage any customer who has concerns accessing their banking to speak directly to us so we can offer support and discuss the alternative options available.”