“I was disappointed and concerned when I heard that Barclays were possibly closing their branch in St Austell – particularly as a former staff member who worked in that branch some years ago. As soon as I heard this news I was keen to meet with Barclays to seek clarification as to precisely what was planned.”
“I have now met with them and understand their business reasons for doing so, while being reassured that Barclays will continue to maintain a branch in town, offering most of the same services as before.”
“It is clear that this decision is symptomatic of wider changes that we are seeing on the high street that have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of people visiting Barclays in St Austell, in person, has fallen by 50% with no sign of recovery and the vast majority of customers access services online or through their app. Most transactions are now via contactless payment methods and far fewer people are using cash.”
“It is clear that the size and nature of their premises in St Austell is no longer appropriate for the number of customers and staff it accommodates. I remember when I worked there in the 1980’s there was almost 60 staff, now it is in single figures.”
“I was reassured to learn in my meeting that they will be relocating their branch to another location in the town centre where they will continue to provide face to face services for customers.”
“They will be offering all of the services that they currently offer apart from those involving cash and cheques, and these services will be available in St Austell town centre for Barclays customers at the Post Office branch. This is also welcome as it will provide additional business for the Post Office and ensure it remains viable in the town.”
“Business customers will be able to make use of the collection service the bank offer, which I know many businesses find more convenient than having to go into the branch.”
“Barclays have also told me that they will be doing everything they can to ensure a continuous service while the relocation is planned and takes place, and also that they plan to reach out to customers who they have identified as still being mostly reliant on face to face services in the branch, to help support them through this time.”
“I will continue to monitor the situation closely in order to ensure customers are not negatively impacted by these changes, and any who have concerns are very welcome to contact me direct about them.”