A CARLISLE bank branch closed its doors for good last week.

Barclays Rosehill branch, on Montgomery Way, Rosehill Industrial Estate closed on Friday. 

The bank said that they do not intend to make anyone redundant as a result of the closure.

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 fall in branch visits is reflected at our Carlisle Rosehill branch and we also know that nearly four fifths (78 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 next nearest Barclays branch is at 33 English Street, Carlisle.

Barclays say that the role of the physical branch is evolving, with fewer than 10 per cent of transactions now taking place inside a branch.

They added that customers have a wide range of options to complete their banking including the Barclays app, Telephone Banking, Online Banking, Video Banking. Everyday transactions can be completed at the Post Office.

The bank said that they will be proactively engaging with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally.

They added that they are committed to adhering to the UK Access to Banking Standard. 

This means that all of their customers will receive a letter, their decision to close document and posters will be displayed in branch, and colleagues will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have.

They will be also offering virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch based banking.