Barclays pledge but anger continues over Keighley closure

The company, which announced in February that its North Street branch in Keighley will close on August 9, says it is "working with the local community" to identify a suitable site for a Barclays Local.

Customers would be able to access support including with digital banking, financial reviews, balance checks, transfers, and bill payments.

But anger continues to be voiced over the pending closure of the branch, with Barclays being the latest of several banks to shut their Keighley premises in recent years.

Virgin Money, formerly Yorkshire Bank, vacated its North Street building in early 2022.

And nearby Lloyds Bank shut its doors last November, although the group currently has a community banker based at Keighley Library every Tuesday, between 9am-3pm.

The town's MP, Robbie Moore, says it is "imperative that banking services remain accessible to all".

He has met with Barclays representatives to discuss the situation.

"At the meeting I outlined my opposition to the closure of yet another bank branch in Keighley," says Mr Moore.

"I'm becoming increasingly concerned with the growing shift towards a cashless society, and it seems clear to me that measures like replacing bank branches with 'local' sites in the community – which operate on reduced hours – are simply another smokescreen to further reduce banking services.

Robbie Moore, fourth from left, during his meeting with representatives from Barclays (Image: submitted)

"As I stated at the meeting, it's absolutely crucial that Barclays properly addresses the needs of its vulnerable customers who depend on physical branches and it is imperative that banking services remain accessible to all."

A spokesperson for Barclays said: "As visits to branches continue to fall, with the majority of people preferring to bank online, we need to adapt to provide the best service for all our customers.

"This is reflected at the Keighley branch, where we are delivering new ways to support our customers and the community with options for those who need in-person services.

"We plan to open a Barclays Local – a 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 local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed."

Mr Moore has also attended a round-table discussion with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Bim Afolami, where the protection of in-person banking was debated.