Spalding bank closure the ‘ultimate betrayal of customers’

The closure of another town centre bank has been branded ‘the ultimate betrayal of customers’.

Barclays has announced that it will be closing its Hall Place branch this spring, the second bank to withdraw from Spalding in the space of two months.

“Again, I’m very angry that banks are abandoning their customers by retreating from towns across Britain,” Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and the Deepings, said.

“When I became an MP there were banks in Crowland, Long Sutton, Sutton Bridge, Donington and other places that have gone.

“If these residents wanted to bank directly they’d have to go to Spalding, so losing Spalding is the ultimate betrayal of customers.”

Craig Delaney, chairman of the Spalding Business board, believes it will be the people of Spalding who will be short changed by the decision.

He said: ”I’m really disappointed at this news as the closure of another banking outlet in Spalding is going to have yet further impact on the town residents as a whole and leave us with another high profile empty building in the town centre.”

Barclays – which plans to close its Spalding branch on May 10 – announced the closure of its Grantham branch earlier this month, while in January last year the bank revealed it would be shutting its Stamford and Oakham branches.

Last week’s news follows on from the announcement in December that Halifax would be shutting its branches in Spalding and Stamford.

“It’s all part of this very bad idea which banks seem to have bought wholesale, that face to face contact doesn’t matter,” Sir John continued.

“It does. Human interactions comprise the threads of the tapestry of life that draws us together, and without that the world becomes a bleaker place.

“I’ll ask to meet with Barclays and I’ll say exactly the same as I have to Halifax, that those of their customers that do want to meet with someone, and engage directly with staff, there ought to be some opportunity for them to do so.”

On Friday, one business owner who banks with Barclays told us they had not received confirmation of its plans to close, or instructions on what steps to take moving forward.

“We're permanently closing this branch from 12pm on Friday, May 10, 2024,” a statement by the bank read.

Information on Barclays website hinted that it may maintain a presence in the area, but also advised customers to consider internet banking or using other branches.

“We’ll continue to be part of your community in Spalding. We’re just finalising the arrangements of where and when we'll be available to support you, and as soon as they are confirmed we’ll share the details,” the bank said.

“Lots of people are choosing to bank differently these days, which means not as many are using branches.

“Because of this, we’re changing the ways we support people in your area.

“The decision to close a branch is never easy and we appreciate it might not be welcome news, but we’ll make sure you still have access to our banking services.

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“You can still use the Barclays app and Online Banking to manage your money securely, anytime. If you have a personal or business account, you can visit any Post Office to withdraw and pay in cash, pay in cheques and check your balance.

“You can also get cash withdrawals and check your balance using LINK cash machines.”