Community will lose vital lifeline with Barclays closure

People will lose a vital lifeline with the closure of the Coleraine Barclays Bank branch, it has been claimed.

The branch will close its doors in February. It follows a number of other banks in the area closing in recent years.

SDLP East Derry MLA, Cara Hunter said the news of the closure of the Barclays Bank branch in Coleraine will be very disappointing to the many people in this area who rely on this branch and the services it provides.

She said: "We have seen many bank branches in this area closing their doors in the last few years, meaning that those who want to continue with in-person banking have very few options or are expected to travel to access these services.

“I understand that more and more people are accessing online banking, but we must also cater for the people who still prefer to do their banking at a local branch. Older people in particular access local banking services on a regular basis to obtain their pension and pay their bills, and they will be concerned they will have nowhere to turn for help and support following this latest closure. In rural areas like East Derry people often struggle with digital connectivity issues which will create further barriers to online banking.

“We are fortunate that we still have Post Office branches which can offer help and assistance following the recent bank closures. I have recently met with the Post Office to discuss the services that they offer and how they can fill the gap left by banks. I welcome Barclays commitment to offering some services through a community location and I will continue engaging with the bank to ensure that the needs of people in this area are met and that everybody can access a form of banking that suits them best.”