THE Crediton branch of Barclays bank at 6 Market Street will close at the end of November, it has been confirmed.

Michael Watts, Community Leader for Barclays Devon and Cornwall, told the “Courier”: “The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices.

“We must therefore evolve the shape and size of our branch network in response to changing customer behaviour.

“At Barclays Crediton branch, customer usage has continued to decline and nearly half of our customers now regularly use alternative branches, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close the branch on Friday, November 27, 2015.

“This figure is even higher for business customers.

“Our colleagues at the Barclays Crediton branch have been consulted about the change.

“We hope that the availability of branches at Marsh Barton, Exeter High Street and access to services at the local Post Office in Crediton, along with our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers as we move out of Crediton branch.”

Mr Watts added: “We do not take the decision to close any branch lightly and we are committed to adhering to the new UK Government protocol on branch closures.

“All of our customers will receive a letter, posters will be displayed in branch and colleagues will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have.

“We 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, before the branch closes on Friday, November 27.”

Barclays has been closing dozens of branches across the country for the last few years and in one day in 2000 it closed 172 branches.

The closures are expected to force some communities to travel miles to their nearest bank.

It is expected that the elderly and hard-pressed small businesses who rely heavily on their local bank will be hardest hit.

The closure follows that of the HSBC branch in Crediton, but other banking leaders, NatWest and Lloyds still have a firm presence in the town.

The move is expected to force many customers to undertake everyday transactions at their Post Office.

The bank is urging any customer who is concerned about how to undertake their banking once the branch closes to contact the branch as soon as possible so that it can discuss alternative banking options.

It will also look to host “teach and teach” sessions individually or in a group for any customer wishing to explore digital banking.

The branch will continue to open from 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, until November 27.

• Will you be affected by the closure of the Crediton branch of Barclays?

If you have a comment or concern, share it with fellow “Courier” readers by sending a letter to the Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .