WORKINGTON MP Mark Jenkinson has said that people need to recognise 'high streets are changing' after an announcement that another major name will pull out of Workington this year.

However the MP has said he will work to ensure that constituents still have the ability to access services they need from their high streets.

Barclays bank on Finkle Street in the town will close on Thursday, October 20 the Times & Star revealed late last week - with the bank wanting to emphasise that despite the closure, they are keen to maintain a supportive prescence for customers within the town.

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 Workington branch there has been an 51 per cent reduction in counter transactions in the two years to March 2020.

"In addition 90 per cent of our customers at the branch are also 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.”

Mr Jenkinson said: "We know banking is changing and it is ultimately for banks to decide what there requirements are on high streets, but there is a moral duty on banks to ensure that those facilities are available to people who need them.

"In Maryport we recently lost our last high street bank we only have the Cumberland Building Society left, I recently met with link, with the TSB - and I have formally requested a community banking review to make sure that the services we do all require from a high street bank are available in some form.

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"I'm still looking at the situation with regard to banking in Workington, who aren't quite in the position Maryport were and if any resident has a view they should send it through to me.

"We need to recognise the change in high streets, be willing to help those high streets along the way such as we are with the future high streets fund and the town deal, be willing to help those in that change but also local authorities and public services I believe have a duty to be at the forefront of that change and to lead the way."