Plans to close Ulverston’s Barclays branch have been revealed.
The firm announced the branch will close its doors on Friday January 21.
Barclays is set to close one of its Furness based branches, early in the new year.
Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, said: “This is extremely disappointing news for the 130 or so frequent users of the branch, the branch staff, and it’s business customers.
“My focus is now on finding ways in which we can retain as many of the services offered by the branch as possible for the Ulverston community.”
Mr Fell said that he is setting up a webpage to ask residents of Ulverston to share their views about the impact of this closure.
The MP said that he will also be asking the community if they would like to share their views in a public meeting with the bank so that they can hear the views of its customers directly.
Mr Fell added: “As an Ulverston resident myself, it’s sad to see another bank close its doors. Looking ahead, I’ll be running a survey for local people, and business owners to contribute their thoughts and ideas about the impact of this news on the town.”
Ulverston Town Councillor Amanda Rigg said: “This is extremely disappointing news for Ulverston. Some people actually like to go into the branch, to have the personal service and build relationships with other local people.
“Furthermore, some of the banks customers aren’t able to use cash machines, for example people with disabilities or special educational needs, or older members of our community who value and need that personal level of service.
“This branch is more than just a bank and I want it to stay.”
Mr Fell added that he hoped at the very least, the town will keep the cash machine at the branch.
He said: “Ulverston is renowned for it’s festivals and events, attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
“Many stall holders will only accept cash. So, I will be making a strong argument for the cash machine to at least remain.”
