Barclays bank is the latest to pull out of Melksham, with the announcement that the branch is to close in November.
The Melksham branch has been named as one of around 200 branches set to close this year across the UK.
In a statement, Barclays said the decision to close the Melksham branch was made following the decline in the number of transactions at the branch.
“The number of transactions has gone down in the previous 24 months, and additionally 77% of our branch customers also use other ways to do their banking such as online and by telephone,” said the bank.
“Customers using other ways to do their banking has increased 17% since 2012.
“In the past 12 months, 45 % of this branch’s customers have been using neighbouring branches.
“We’ve identified that only 101 customers use this branch exclusively for their banking.”
Richard Stockland, community banking director for Barclays Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire said, “The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices.
“At Barclays Melksham branch, customer usage has continued to decline and additionally, nearly half [45%] of customers, are already using alternative nearby branches and 77% of our branch customers are also using other ways to do their banking such as online and by telephone.
“Melksham branch is open four days a week and we’ve identified that only 101 customers use the counter to solely undertake their banking, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close the branch.
“We hope that the availability of our nearest Barclays branches at Trowbridge, Devizes and Chippenham, access to services at any local Post Office including 31 Church Lane, Melksham, along with our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers.”
Michelle Donelan MP said, “I was saddened to hear of the planned closure of Barclays bank and my thoughts are with the staff and families of those affected at what must be a worrying time for them.
“Barclays is a private business but they still have a duty of care to the staff and customers impacted by this commercial decision and I have a meeting already booked in to speak to management about how they plan to support those impacted.
“I have worked closely with NatWest since the closure of their branch and was impressed with the introduction of the community banker who is present in the library on a weekly basis to support customers and I will be pushing for Barclays to provide similar support.
“I have a number of surgeries planned across Melksham in the coming week so if you have been affected by the closure announcement, please do get in touch with me on 01249 704 465 as I would be only too happy to speak with you face to face and offer any support I am able.”
