Banking giant Barclays will close its Whitehaven branch in March.

The Strand Street store is shutting its doors as footfall has "continued to decline in recent years".

However, the company says there will be no redundancies as staff will be moved to nearby branches.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices.

"At Barclays Whitehaven branch customer usage has continued to decline in recent years which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close it.

"For Whitehaven customers, we hope the availability of our nearest branch on Finkle Street, Workington plus access to services at the local Post Office on Kings Street, Whitehaven, along with our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers.”

Customers will receive a letter and a decision to close document while posters will be displayed in branch.

Staff will be on hand in store to assist customers with any concerns and Barclays is encouraging people to contact them to discuss other banking options.

The company, which said it did not take the decision to close lightly, plans to engage with businesses and the wider community on alternative ways customers can undertake their banking in the area.

It is looking to host 'Tea and Teach' sessions for individuals or groups who want to explore digital banking.