LOCAL politicians have been giving their reactions to the news that the last bank in Guiseley is to close its doors.

Barclays announced plans this week to shut down 15 more bank branches this year - including the branch in Guiseley.

The closures come after 11 sites are already set for closure across 2023, making the bank's total closing branches reach 26. 

Barclays Bank at 45 Oxford Road, Guiseley, will close on April 12, 2023.

MP for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough Stuart Andrew said: "I am disappointed to hear that Barclays Bank in Guiseley are closing. While I understand the need for face-to-face services is decreasing as technology advances, I am concerned that my constituents in Guiseley who still want or need to access face-to-face services will not be able to do so in branch.

"I have spoken to the Barclays Head of Corporate Relations, who has assured me that they are looking for an alternative site in Guiseley so that customers still have access to a physical branch, and I will continue to press for this.

"In the meantime, I understand the Post Office on Oxford Road are available for a number of banking transactions, and I am also assured that and Barclays are providing support to those customers of the Guiseley branch who have been identified as only using face-to-face services."

District Councillor Eleanor Thomson (Lab, Guiseley and Rawdon) said: "Barclays is the last remaining bank with a branch in Guiseley and has already cut back its opening hours. The planned closure feels like yet another fundamental loss to our high street and counters efforts to develop thriving neighbourhoods that are accessible to all residents.

"I’ve heard from several residents who will be affected directly by the planned closure. It is not just older residents, but young people who are affected by the loss of high street banking access. Being able to talk to a member of banking staff in person makes managing multiple accounts, and retaining financial independence, easier. For young people, access to banking can be complex and usually requires that they visit a branch in person to set up an account, transfer funds or request a new debit card. I’ll be listening more to residents and raising their voices with the bank."

Barclay card customers that are concerned about the closure announcements are being told they can still have options if they need in-person support. 

The bank announced they will offer a support van and pop-up banks where you can get help and advice. 

The dates of the pop-up van are available via the Barclays website. 

Customers can all access certain facilities at Post Office branches including cash and cheque deposits as well as checking their balance and withdrawing cash. 

A Barclays spokesperson said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority choosing online banking. As we adapt, we are closing less well used branches whilst investing in brilliant customer service and digital technology.

“We are maintaining our community presence with alternative options for customers who still require in-person support. This includes our network of Barclays Local sites in libraries and community centres, bank pods and mobile vans, our cashback without purchase service, Shared Banking Hubs and everyday banking at the Post Office.”

The Barclays branch in Ilkley closed in March 2022.