A WIRRAL MP is asking for the public's views on Barclays plan to close its branch at Arrowe Park Hospital.

A fall in usage is behind the decision to close its doors for good on Friday, March 18.

Barclays has written to Wirral West MP Margaret Greenwood for her views on the closure.

The cash machine will remain at Arrowe Park. After closure, customers will be able to use the nearest branch in Upton. They will also be able to use the Post Office in nearby Fleetwood Road for some transactions.

In its letter to Margaret Greenwood, Barclays asked for her views on three questions. They are:

What do you believe will be the biggest impact of the closure of the Arrowe Park Hospital Branch on the local community?

What do you believe will be the biggest impact of the closure of Arrowe Park Hospital branch will have on customers?

What alternative ways to bank do you believe need to be provided to help customers and the community adapt to this change?

Ms Greenwood said: "Although Barclays has stated that the ATM will remain, there will obviously be an impact on anyone who uses this particular branch.

“I am very keen to hear from anyone who uses the branch.

"It is important Barclays understands the impact that closure would have on local people, so I am calling on people to get in touch with their views."

A spokesperson 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.

"Barclays Arrowe Park Hospital branch is one of our quietest in the UK - customer usage 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 will receive a letter, posters will be displayed in branch and colleagues will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have. 

"We will be proactively engaging with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally, before the branch closes on March 18.”

Send your views to Margaret Greenwood MP, Hilbre House, 35a Market Street, Hoylake, CH47 2BG, email margaret.greenwood.mp@parliament.uk or call 0151 792 3416.