Barclays launch first pilot branches in Northern market towns

Barclays has launched a new trial to keep branches open in two North East and North Yorkshire market towns.

Pickering in North Yorkshire and Yarm in Teesside will be the first of ten pilot branches to be launched across the UK in a bid to provide banking facilities to communities that otherwise would not have a local bank.

Barclays plans to invest into the branches themselves as well as reinstating local branch managers and offering extended opening hours to include Saturdays.

Richard Smalley, head of Barclays Local, UK, commented: “In Pickering, we believe there is real appetite amongst businesses and the local community to support us in keeping the branch open, whilst acknowledging that many customers are choosing alternative ways to undertake their banking such as mobile, online and telephony services.”

“Our ambition is to work in direct partnership with the town to keep local branch based banking sustainable over the long term.”

Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, added: “I’m pleased that Barclays is not only retaining the last bank in Pickering but are also tailoring its services to meet local needs.

“This is excellent news for Pickering high street and I hope the local community support Barclays to help secure its long-term future.”

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