Today is the final day of trading for Barclays in the Market Place in Hinckley.
The Bank announced in August that it was closing down due to customers choosing to bank online and that only 13 customers use the Hinckley branch regularly as the only way to do their banking.
A Barclays spokesperson said: “The decision to close a branch is never an easy one. However, customers are increasingly using alternatives to branches to do their banking and, as a result, we are seeing a sustained fall in branch visits across the UK.
“This is reflected at our Hinckley branch, where we’ve seen a 66 per cent reduction in counter transactions in the last 12 months, when compared to March 2020. 91 per cent of customers who visit the branch are also using different ways to bank and only 13 customers use the branch exclusively for their banking.
“We will work with our customers and provide alternative options to ensure they can continue to manage their money and receive financial expertise when required. This includes working with the local community to find different, more flexible ways for our colleagues to continue to provide local banking support, such as through pop-up presences.”
From 4th November 20202, Barclays Hinckley customers will have to use the nearest Barclays bank in Nuneaton.
Following a consultation about the decision Barclays confirmed it would explore the possibility of a banking hub in the town:
"We’re exploring the possibility of our colleagues being present in the community after the branch closes to provide further support. As soon as we’ve confirmed the arrangements we’ll share the details locally. To keep a community focus and support the local area, everyday banking can be done at the Post Office in Hinckley. We’re helping our customers understand which transactions they can do there, how to bank from home or their business premises, and offering them support through this transition."
At a meeting of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council on Tuesday 1st November, Cllr Stuart Bray said that an arrangment had been agreed with Barclays to use the Atkins Building as a community hub.
He told the meeting: "I’m pleased to confirm that, following Barclays’ announcement to close its Hinckley town centre branch in November, officers have been in negotiation with the bank’s representatives and secured a commercial arrangement that retains their presence in the town and we hope the new service will commence at the Atkins Building from next week. I see this as an even bigger opportunity to create a banking hub service for other banks who have left the town."
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