The town centre branch of Barclays in Accrington will close in August the bank has confirmed.

The bank said customers transactions at the branch based on Union Street had fallen by 22 per cent in two years. The next nearest branch available for customers is located on Darwen Street, Blackburn. The Accrington branch will close on Tuesday 24 August.

Barclays told us they do not intend to make anyone redundant as a result of the closure and staff working at the Accrington branch will be offered alternative roles in the bank.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “The decision to close a branch is never an easy one. 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 Accrington branch where we have seen customer transactions fall 22 per cent (in the 2 years to March 2020) and over four fifths (88 per cent) of our customers at the branch are using different ways to bank.

“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.”

The bank they will be offering virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch based banking. All customers will receive a letter and posters will be displayed in branch, and staff will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have.

It is said less than 10 per cent of transactions are taking place inside branches at most branches.