A BANKING firm has revealed its plan to replace its services when its Barrow branch closes next month.

Barclays is shutting its bank in Dalton Road on November 17, with the firm blaming the closure on customers using other ways to do their banking.

But the bank says customers will be able to use Barclays Local services from November 20.

Staff are due to be based at The Forum to offer services including financial reviews, balance requests, opening of new accounts and support with digital banking.

However, the company says as The Forum is a cashless site, everyday banking transactions will need to be completed at a Post Office.

Barclays staff will be at the site Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 12.30pm then 1pm to 4pm and between 10am and 3pm on Saturdays.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “Barclays is committed to deploying a range of more flexible ways that customers can physically interact with the bank, this includes over 270 pop-up banking sites located in town centres, plus presence in spaces such as community centres, libraries and business hubs where it offers drop in and pre-booked appointments.

“We’re delighted to launch the replace banking service here in Barrow-in-Furness.

"This represents our commitment to customers and the local community who wish to continue to have an in-person banking presence by offering the ability to visit Barclays on their local high street, albeit in a different environment.”

It comes after the company said it had committed to opening a Barclays Local site in every community where a branch closes.

Barclays also closed in Ulverston last year, meaning the closest full branch will be 35 miles away in Kendal.

Explaining the decision to close the Barrow branch, Barclays told customers: "Back when we opened this branch, visiting us in person was one of the only ways to do your banking.

"Now, as there are lots of 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."