Barclays bank in Rickmansworth to close in September

Barclays says it has only identified 22 customers who use its branch in Church Street exclusively for their banking.

A closing date of September 16 has been confirmed by the banking giant.

However, according to the area’s MP Gagan Mohindra, Barclays is looking at keeping a “limited” service within the town for those not used to online banking.

Barclays bank on the corner of Church Street and High Street in Rickmansworth. Credit: Google Maps

In a brochure, Barclays has outlined reasons why its bank in Rickmansworth joins a growing list of branches that have shut in recent years.

The bank, which is open on weekdays until 2.30pm, says the number of transactions over the counter has gone down over the past two years and that 93 per cent of customers do their banking online or via telephone.

Just 22 customers use the bank “exclusively”, according to Barclays, although around 400 customers have used the branch more than 12 times over the last year.

Figures provided by the company show personal customer counter transactions, cash withdrawals, cash deposits, and cheque deposits were all down 50% at the Church Street branch between April 2021 and March 22, compared to April 2019 to March 2020.

Business and corporate customers using the branch services has also dropped between 38% and 53%.

Barclays bank. Credit: PA

However, South West Hertfordshire MP Mr Mohindra has given a glimmer of hope some level of service may be retained.

Following a visit to the bank on June 17, where he met manager Arunas Jusksys, he wrote on his Facebook page: “I realise the difficulty this [the closure] can cause for those who rely on in-person banking, particularly elderly people.

“During our conversation, Arunas explained that the branch was looking at potentially keeping a limited but local in-person service, which would most likely be centred around providing assistance to those who aren't comfortable or accustomed to using online banking."

Credit: Gagan Mohindra MP Facebook

He added: “Both the branch and I want to hear from local residents about their thoughts on the closure, and about what kind of in-person service would be useful in the area after the bank shuts.

“So please email me at gagan.mohindra.mp@parliament.uk with your thoughts.”