It is one of the first buildings people see when getting off the bus in our town, but it is all about to change, as Barclays bank on 21 High Street is set to close.

The corner plot home to the worldwide bank will shut their doors in Congleton in less than three months.

The final date Congleton's Barclays will be open is Friday September 16 2022.

Two staff with their jobs affected will be offered roles at alternative Barclays branches.

"The decision to close a branch is never an easy one," a Barclays spokesperson said.

"However, customers are increasingly using alternatives to branches to do their banking.

"As a result, we are seeing a sustained fall in branch visits across the UK.

"This is reflected at the Congleton branch where there has been a 59% reduction in counter transactions in the two years to March 2020.

"We will work with our customers and provide alternative options to ensure they can continue to manage their money and receive financial expertise when required.

"This includes working with the local community to find different, more flexible ways for our colleagues to continue to provide local banking support, such as through pop-up presences."

Just 17 people used the Congleton Barclays exclusively for their banking, with other Barclays users in Congleton using online, video or telephone banking as well.

"Everyday transactions can be completed at any Post Office with the closest located at 39 High Street, Congleton," a spokesperson added.

"The role of the physical branch is evolving, with fewer than 10% of transactions now taking place inside a branch

"All of our customers will receive a letter, our decision to close document and posters will be displayed in branch, and colleagues will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have

"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

"Although the branch is closing, we will still have an active presence in the community via new and alternative physical touchpoints.

"We plan to provide additional face-to-face access for banking services via one of our community locations – from the point of closure. Further details, including the timings and the location, will be communicated to our regular customers in due course."

No plans have been submitted for the buildings future, as of yet. However, a closed bank also on High Street just up the road is set to become accommodation.

The nearest free-to-use ATM is at NatWest, 2 Swan Bank, Congleton.

And the closest Barclays branch to Congleton is at Liverpool Road, Kidsgrove. [Seven miles away].

The news follows a local and nationwide trend of the death of the high street bank. Close to Congleton, Alsager's Barclays shut in 2018, whereas Buxton's shut in 2021.

And Barclays are set to close over 100 branches nationwide this year.

No announcement has been made in relation to Macclesfield branch, which is also close to Congleton.

See Also: Congleton's old TSB Bank could be turned into residential properties

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