Barclays bank announces closure of Poole high street branch

Barclays Bank is due to close its only Poole branch in High Street on Friday, March 8, after finding that just 39 residents regularly use it as the only way to do their banking. 

It also found that last year, 93 per cent of the people who use the Poole branch did so via its app, online and on the phone. 

A spokesperson for Barclays said: “Back when we opened this branch, visiting us in person was one of the only ways to do your banking.  

Poole High Street (Image: Google Maps)

“Now, as there are lots of ways to manage your money without even leaving your home, we’re seeing many customers choosing to bank using our app and online or telephone banking.  

“This has had a big impact on the number of customers coming in to see us.” 

The spokesperson added: “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.  

Read more: Developers reveal new plans for Barclays House

“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.” 

Last year, Barclays also closed its banks in Ringwood and Lymington meaning the closest branches left near Poole are in South Street, Dorchester and Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. 

It found that just 19 per cent of Poole customers have used nearby branches in the past 12 months.

Read more: Poole's Barclays House set to be converted into 362 flats

Barclays added the nearest cash machines to the Poole branch are Lloyds Bank and Santander, both on High Street. 

At its height. Barclays used to employ more than 2,000 people at its decentralised office at Barclays House. 

However, in 2022, the bank announced its workforce of around 700 was to move to a new office in Lansdowne, Bournemouth. 

It brought an end to nearly 50 years of what some describe as an iconic building, however, plans are now in place to convert Barclays House into 362 flats.