THE LAST bank standing in Llangollen looks set to close with one of its customers sharing a picture which set alarm bells ringing on social media this week.
Banks and building societies have been disappearing from our high streets over several years.
And that trend looks likely to continue with the final nail in the coffin set for Llangollen's last remaining bank.
The Barclays chain, on Llangollen’s Castle Street, remains to be the only physical chain left in the area.
However, a letter from Barclays shared by a customer to social media states that that branch will be closing its doors on July 7, 2023.
READ MORE: 20mph speed limit will 'help communities' and 'save lives', Deputy Minister says
The letter reads: “We’ll be closing out Llangollen branch on Friday 7 July 2023 at 12.00pm.
“The decision to close a branch is never easy and we appreciate this might not be welcome news but we’ll make sure you and your local community continue to have access to our banking services when you need them.
“We’ll still be part of your community in Llangollen, we’re just finalising details of when and where we’ll be based to support you with your banking.”
PIC: The letter posted to social media.
When the closure takes place it will mean all three of the town’s three traditional bank branches will have been lost with just the Post Office left to provide basic banking facilities.
In response, Barclays has said it plans to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site – in Llangollen to help customers after it closes its local branch.
A spokesperson said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking.
“This is reflected at Llangollen branch, 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.
“In Llangollen 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 a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed.”
Later in its response, the company says: “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.
“We will be offering virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch based banking.”
Commenting on the announcement, Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said: "The announcement by Barclays that they are closing their branch in Llangollen on July 7 is very sad and will inconvenience many people, businesses and organisations locally.
"I have been working hard to keep the branch open alongside other elected representatives and members of the community in Llangollen so I feel very disappointed by this announcement."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here