What to do when your local branch shuts down

Some banks have taken steps to help their customers to adapt after a branch has closed. For example, Barclays recently announced that it was developing larger card readers to help elderly customers to use online banking.

The majority of banking tasks can now be carried out at a post office, although that network has been heavily scaled back too.

A spokesman for the Post Office said: “In January, the Post Office launched a service with all the leading banks that enables their customers to access everyday banking services in all post offices across the UK. This is a lifeline for those communities where the last bank branch has closed.

“More than 99pc of personal bank account holders can undertake deposit, withdrawal and balance inquiry services in each of the Post Office’s 11,600 branches – 97pc of the population live within a mile of a branch. There is no fee for the service.”

Age UK said you should not be afraid to request assistance from your bank if your local branch has closed. A conversation about your options can be helpful as there are secure ways to enable a friend or family member to carry out some banking on your behalf without having full control of your account.

The charity also recommended looking into switching your bank account if you no longer have a branch nearby. The Current Account Switch Service can help you do this quickly and easily.