Banking giant to shut town centre branch within months

A TOWN centre bank will close its doors for the last time in April.

The Barclays branch, based on Dunraven Place in Bridgend, will be closing for good on Friday,

April 12.

The announcement was made on the banking giant’s website, which claimed “[fewer] than 10 customers use this branch regularly as the only way to do their banking”, and added that “92% of people who use the branch also banked using the app, online or by phone in 2022”.

A statement from Barclays noted: “We want to reassure you that we’re here to help.

“We’ll stay in your community and you’ll be able to talk to us in person.

“We’re finalising the details of where we’ll be based, and when, to support you with your banking, and we’ll share the details locally once confirmed.”

Bridgend County Council leader Huw David said he was saddened by the news, adding that the local authority would be keeping an eye on what the future holds for the Grade II listed building in which the bank is currently based.

He said: “While they intend to close down their main premises Barclays bank has stated it still wants to maintain a physical presence within the town centre.

“This is still in the planning stages and the intention is to continue to provide face-to-face access to banking services on a smaller scale via an alternative community location.

“We will be writing to

Barclays to consider carefully the full implication of this decision, to take into account the full impact of the closure upon the local community, and to ensure that whatever alternative arrangements they put in place are both suitable and sustainable in the long term.

“We will also be asking them to provide more details about their plans for the future of the building in which the bank is currently located, which of course is a grade two listed building.”