BARCLAYS has announced it will be closing its Haltwhistle branch on Friday, August 11, following a 'decline in in-branch transactions'.

The bank said that customers will receive a letter, a 'decision to close' document and there will also posters displayed in branch, as well as 'colleagues on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have'.

Barclays will also be offering a virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch-based banking.

A Barclays spokesman said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking. 

"This is reflected at the Prudhoe and Haltwhistle branches, and as we adapt, we are finding new ways to support our customers by maintaining our community presence with options for customers who still require in-person support.”

“We plan to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up 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 suitable locations and will announce details once confirmed.”