A BLOW has been dealt to Evesham after it was revealed a banking giant would be closing its branch in the town centre.

Barclays Bank in High Street said it would shut for good this year because more customers have chosen to bank online.

The mayor of Evesham, Alan Booth, said he was taken back by the closure and the branch will be missed.

"I must admit I was taken back a bit," he said.

"I feel for the people who cannot bank online. It is a shame for everyone not online.

"It has been in the High Street for a long time and I can imagine a high proportion of the town use it. 

"I remember during Covid, there were very long queues.

"The town will miss it."

A detailed report on how people use the Evesham branch found that 16 customers used the branch regularly as their only way of banking.

It found that 89% of people who use our branch have also banked using the app and 15% of this branch's customers have used nearby branches in the last 12 months.

After the branch closes the nearest branches to those living in Pershore will be Market Cross in Stratford-upon-Avon or in Worcester's High Street.

Customers will still be able to use cash machines in Evesham and the town's two post offices to withdraw and pay money as well as cash in cheques.

A spokesperson for Barclays said: "Back when we opened this branch, visiting us in person was one of the only ways to do your banking.

"Now, as there are many ways to manage your money without even leaving your home, we're seeing many customers choosing to bank using our app and online or telephone banking.

"This has had a big impact on the number of customers coming in to see us."

Evesham's Barclays branch will close on May 15, 2024, at 12pm.