​Barclays set to cash out of Newry in February

It’s one of two branches to close in Northern Ireland, along with the Coleraine bank.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “As visits to branches continue to fall, with the majority of people preferring to bank online, we need to adapt to provide the best service for all our customers.

"This is reflected at Newry, where we are delivering new ways to support our customers and the community with options for those who need in-person services.

“In Newry we plan to open a Barclays Local – a 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.”

Barclays Local is the largest network of alternative branch formats in the UK, with a presence in over 300 locations. This is a flexible community presence in places such as town halls and libraries, mobile vans and banking pods. Customers can access a range of in-person support such as help with digital banking, financial reviews, balance checks transfers and bill payments.

Those who prefer the services of a more traditional Barclays bank will have to travel to Castle Street in Belfast.

INTERACT

The bank reports that 25 regular customers use the Newry branch “exclusively for their banking and do not interact with us in other ways”.

Regular customers will receive a letter, their decision to close document and posters will be displayed in branch, while staff will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have.

Barclays say they “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.

They will also “be offering virtual digital support sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch based banking.”