AN MP has slammed the decision of one of the biggest names in high street banking to close its Oswestry branch in the summer.

Barclays, in Cross Street, will stop serving regular customers on Friday, July 14, citing a change in customer preferences for online banking as the reason for the branch’s closure.

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan says she is ‘disappointed’ with the decision, fearing the impact it will have on elderly and vulnerable customers.

She said: “I’m very disappointed that Barclays wants to shut its Oswestry branch and I will be making this clear to the bank’s senior managers.

“Local branches are crucial for many elderly and vulnerable customers who rely on them and for every customer who might need a face-to-face meeting.

“Online banking is useful but it is no substitute for the help and support that staff provides in person.

“Barclays needs to reassure all local customers that they will continue to have access to the same services and staff that are currently available.”

A Barclays spokesman said that the bank is not intended to end its association with the town, hoping to implement a pop-up cashless site that allows for face-to-face appointments for those who needed it.

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They added: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking.

"This is reflected at Oswestry 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 Oswestry 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 community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed."

The bank added that branches close to Oswestry in Wrexham and Shrewsbury will remain open and customers can also use the Post Office in Willow Street.

According to the spokesman, sessions offering support on how to use online banking will also be put on for customers, though details are yet-to-be confirmed.

Customers can also use nearby cash machines, such as Santander close to The Cross and Bailey Street.

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