Village bank closes its doors for last time

BARCLAYS Bank, in Lodge Drive, Culcheth closed its doors for the last time at lunch time today – approximately 12 weeks after a letter was sent to customers informing them of the closure.
The closure leaves Culcheth residents about three miles away from the nearest Barclays branch, in the Asda store at Birchwood.
Alternatively, everyday transactions typically carried out over branch counters, can also be completed at the Post Office in Jackson Avenue, Culcheth.
A spokesman for Barclays said: “The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices. We must therefore evolve the shape and size of our branch network in response to changing customer behaviour.
“Customer usage at Culcheth branch has significantly declined in recent years, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close the branch.
“We do not take the decision to close any branch lightly and we are committed to adhering to the new UK Government protocol on branch closures.  All of our customers have received a letter, posters have been displayed in branch and colleagues have been on hand to assist customers with any concerns.
“We have proactively engaged with local businesses and the wider community to explain the alternative ways customers can undertake their banking locally, which has included holding a number of Tea and Teach sessions for local residents at the Village Hall designed to help customers with their online banking, to develop their fraud and scam awareness as well as providing guidance on day to day internet use.”
The branch at Birchwood is open Monday to Saturday 8am to 10pm and Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm.