RESIDENTS in Ellesmere Port have spoken out following the announcement of the Barclays Bank closure.

The closure comes after 11 sites are already set for closure across 2023, making the bank's total closing branches reach 26. 

Barclay's, which is located on Whitby Road has confirmed it will close on Friday, February 3.

'It's shocking'

Residents have voiced their concerns about the bank closure.

Lynn Ashton said: "I use this bank to pay my bills and get cash. Now the post office in Great Sutton, which was an alternative for me, has closed down I don't know what I will do.

"I have a disability and can't walk very far so Barclays closure is a major blow to me. I have banked with Barclays for over 48 years and am very disappointed with them. The staff in there were always so pleasant and helpful too."

Brian McGaw added: "I often use the internal machine to set up paying people by telephone banking. My nearest branch will be Chester.

"I've had a few problems and questions and I could get off the bus , walk round the corner and talk to someone face to face.

"I'm 75 and reasonably fit but I'm slowing down. I am unable to use online banking."

Dorothy Turley said: "The elderly don’t have the equipment to deal with their banking online. It’s not safe for them to attend cash machines and also a lot of people irrespective of age prefer to deal face to face.

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"It's shocking."

Graham Skelton said: "I live in Ellesmere Port and I bank at Barclays. I have been there for over 40 years since I left school.

"When the bank closes I am moving to a bank still located in the town one very unhappy customer. If everyone did the same they stop closing branches."

Local MPs reaction

The announcement has also recently been criticised by Ellesmere Port and Neston MP, Justin Madders.

He said: "This is yet another blow for the town in the wake of a series of unsuccessful ‘levelling up’ financial aid bids by Cheshire West and Chester Council to the Government for much-needed investment in and around Ellesmere Port."

Mr Madders said he had contacted Barclays to express concern that customers were being dissuaded from using the counter service which he felt was going to be used as a justification for closure.

He added: "They need to maintain a physical presence in the town centre and the Government needs to insist that banks maintain a presence on the nation’s high streets."