Barclays Local to replace closing Hoveton bank branch

Barclays announced earlier this month that its branch in Hoveton’s Station Road will close on December 1 this year.

READ MORE: Why Barclays bank is closing its Hoveton branch in north Norfolk

The closing Barclays branch in Station Road, Hoveton (Image: Google Maps)

The decision followed a wave of branch closures across north Norfolk, which has seen Lloyds close branches in both North Walsham and Cromer.

However, Barclays has said it will be opening a Barclays Local in Hoveton – a cashless banking service where customers can continue to access face-to-face in-person support.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking. 

“This is reflected at the Wroxham (Hoveton) branch and as we adapt we are finding new ways to support our customers by maintaining our community presence with options for customers who still require in-person support.

“In Wroxham we plan to open a Barclays Local – a cashless banking site where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for banking support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel.

“We are currently working with the local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed.”

READ MORE: Banking 'hubs' touted as answer to high street exodus

North Norfolk’s MP Duncan Baker met with representatives from Barclays earlier this week. He said the bank proposed operating out of a community building three days a week.

Duncan Baker MP for North Norfolk (Image: Newsquest)

He said the Barclays Local site is likely to be open for a minimum of 12 months – and that the bank has also pledged to find a cashpoint by December this year.

Mr Baker said: “North Norfolk has the oldest population of any constituency in the country and many of our residents will struggle to adapt to mobile banking."