MP James Wild opens new banking service in Hunstanton after closure of Barclays

A new banking service has been launched for residents – after the doors at its permanent building closed earlier this year.

Following the closure of the Barclays bank in Hunstanton in April, a local site has been officially opened at the town hall to provide “easy access” for customers with digital and complex banking needs.

North West Norfolk MP James Wild attended a ceremony to open the service earlier this week – and it has already seen an influx of users.

There will be staff available from Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am-12:30pm and 1pm-3.30pm, offering face-to-face financial support and education for customers.

Barclays bosses say they are committed to creating “a range of flexible ways that customers can physically interact with the bank”.

Mr Wild said: “It was a pleasure to officially open the new Barclays Local service which offers access to customers with a range of banking needs.

“With around 100 customers a week, it is demonstrating the continuing importance of face-to-face services and advice for customers on banking, savings, mortgages, fraud, and other issues.”

Access to a wide range of services will be available at the town hall venue, including assistance with finances and money management.

There will be free digital skills workshops and fraud and scams awareness events for the community. The Barclays Local is a cashless site, so everyday banking transactions will need to be completed at the local Post Office on High Street.

Lianne Coupland, Barclays’ deputy customer care director, said: “We’re delighted to launch the new Barclays Local in Hunstanton.

“This new service represents our commitment to customers and the local community who wish to continue to have in-person support by offering the ability to visit Barclays locally, albeit in a different environment.”

There is now just one permanent bank, Nationwide, left in the seaside town.

Barclays said earlier this year that the closure of its premises was down to the majority of its customers using their app, banking online or via telephone.