Pop-up site for banking as branch is to close
A banking giant which is to close its last remaining Stirling branch says that it will put in place“a popup cashless banking site” to meet customers’ needs.
We told on Wednesday how the Barclays branch in Murray Place is to close this summer due to a drop-off in the number of customers using the in-branch services.
The branch will shut its doors for the final tike on Friday, August 11.
The closure means that customers of the banking giant will be left either having to conduct their business online or having to travel 27 miles to the branch in Argyle Street in Glasgow.
Speaking to the Observer since then, a Barclays spokesperson confirmed that the branch closure will not lead to any job losses and revealed plans to put in place a Barclays Local outlet.
They said:“our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking. This is reflected at Stirling 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.”
They added: “In Stirling, 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.”
In documentation sent to Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed, Barclays said: “Back when we opened this branch, visiting us in person was one of the only ways to do your banking.
“Now, as there are lots of ways to manage your money without even leaving your home, we’re seeing many customers choosing to bank using our app, and online or telephone banking.
“This has had a big impact on the number of customers coming in to see us.”
The document added: “When deciding whether to close this branch, we looked carefully at how it’s been used and how customers are banking in other ways.
“Ninety six per cent of people who use our branch have also banked using the app, online and by phone in 2021.
“Less than 10 customers use this branch regularly as the only way to do their banking.
“Twelve per cent of this branch’s customers have used nearby branches in the last 12 months.”
It goes on: “We’ll be working with the local community to understand the impact of closing this branch. Once we’ve gathered feedback, we’ll publish the results in a booklet called ‘Branch closure feedback’, which you can get from your branch or online.”
Evelyn Tweed described the development as “disappointing. She told the Observer: “During this cost-of-living crisis, it’s vital that the public feel they have easy access to their local bank. Many people feel less comfortable with online or telephone banking or lack the phone signal or quality of internet connection to access these services, so an in-person presence of their bank is very important.
“This disappointing news follows the closure of branches of several other banks in Stirling.
“Barclays has confirmed that they will maintain a presence in Stirling, although with no cash on site.
“I have contacted Barclays on behalf of my constituents for clarification on which services will be still be offered in Stirling.
“I have also asked about the potential for a banking hub to be set up in Stirling which would allow access to a number of different banks in one venue. I await their response and will update those concerned as soon as possible.’’