Customer letter tells of Barclays bank branch closure

* The customer letter posted on Facebook.

Barclays is to close Llangollen’s last traditional bank branch on July 7, according to a letter to a customer which has been shared on social media.

The letter says: “We’ll be closing out Llangollen branch on Friday 7 July 2023 at 12.00pm.

“The decision to close a branch is never easy and we appreciate this might not be welcome news but we’ll make sure you and your local community continue to have access to our banking services when you need them.

“We’ll still be part of your community in Llangollen, we’re just finalising details of when and where we’ll be based to support you with your banking.”

The letter starts by describing how many customers are choosing to bank in different ways which it says means that fewer of them were visiting branches.

And it goes on to say ask customers for their comments about the closure.

“We want to hear what you think. We’ll be speaking with customers, the local MP, council members, charities, community groups and local businesses to gain feedback,” it goes on.

“Two weeks before the closure we’ll share a summary of this feedback.”

If this closure happens it will mean all three of the town’s three traditional bank branches will have been lost with just the Post Office left to provide basic banking facilities.

The Facebook post about the latest closure had attracted over 50 comments by earlier this morning.

One points out that the closure will come during Eisteddfod week while another says that some elderly people do not use computers to do their banking and are unable to travel other areas to use branches still open.

Llanblogger has sought comments from Barclays and local politicians.      

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said this morning: “While I’m afraid this unwelcome move has been suspected for some time, it is still a shock to learn that it is now actually happening.

“The closure is bound to have an adverse effect upon residents – especially the elderly – and our smaller local businesses which rely heavily on the branch’s services.

“This is, of course, a major tourist town and visitors are also likely to be affected by this decision.

“The letter mentions that Barclays will still have some sort of presence in the town and I sincerely hope this will be the case.”

According to the letter, details of the closure are available online at home.barclays/ukbranchclosures - although this doesn't mention Llangollen - and in the branch.