Barnard Castle to get Banking Hub after Barclays closure
Locals and councillors have been calling for a hub to open in the town to maintain face-to-face services since banking giant Barclays closed last September, the last bank in Teesdale.
Its branch on Market Place shut on September 11, 2024, months before it was initially due to close today (January 17). The decision came after the bank confirmed just 28 customers used the site regularly as the only way to do their banking.
Since the closure, Barclays launched a cashless mini bank one day a week in the town, but residents continued to plead for full facilities and access to all the major banks.
Link, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, decides which areas should receive a banking hub, and said the town requires additional cash services to support local businesses and banking customers.
Announcing the hub, the seventh in County Durham, Dr Chris Ashton, Chief Commercial Officer of Link said: “While more people are choosing to bank and pay for things digitally, we know that many people still rely on face-to-face banking. That’s why we’re delighted to recommend a new hub in Barnard Castle.
The banking hub in Newton Aycliffe which opened in 2023. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“There are over one hundred hubs open across the country and when it opens, the Barnard Castle banking hub will provide a vital service for the local community and high street.”
Banking hubs usually have a counter service, operated by the Post Office, so customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out their normal transactions, including with cash. They also provide a space for representatives of the major banks to work from, typically one day a week, effectively allowing the brands to share one location. The banks work on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
A location is yet to be decided however the search for a potential site and community consultations are expected to begin soon.
Several public meetings were held following the closure of the Barclays branch in September 2024 in a bid to maintain face-to-face services in the town.
Barnard Castle West Councillor Ted Henderson said: “I would like to thank LINK on behalf of the residents and businesses in Teesdale.
Cllr Ted Henderson. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)
“This will be very much appreciated by all the residents of the dale and will save having to travel many miles to access any banking facilities. It also means that there will be an ATM available for residents and visitors.”
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Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth, added: “I am really pleased for the people of Barnard Castle to be getting this Banking Hub. It’s something I have been pushing for in Westminster and
Sam Rushworth. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“I know the Town Council and other local people have also been pushing for this. I have offered to support efforts to find both a temporary venue so this can start up as soon as possible, but also a more permanent home. I hope there can be more good news soon about 24/7 access to an ATM, and we are continuing conversations about this.”
Two banking hubs have already opened in the county in Newton Aycliffe and Seaham, while hubs are also recommended in Crook, Ferryhill, Spennymoor and Stanley, which are all set to open “soon”, Link says.