A NEW mobile bank is coming to Ponteland.

The village no longer has any banks following the closure of Lloyds earlier this year.

However, Barclays has now announced that a mobile van will be stationed at Ponteland Memorial Hall every Thursday between 9.30am and 3.30pm, from September 29.

Staff will be able to offer general advice and help with basic banking, such as transfers between accounts, change of address, opening of savings and ISA accounts, setting up mobile banking and amending direct debits and standing orders.

People will still have to withdraw cash from the post office.

Hexham MP Guy Opperman had started a campaign to ask for high street banks to retain a physical presence in communities following the closure of high street branches across his Tynedale and Ponteland constituency.

On Friday (September 23), Mr Opperman attended a launch event for the new service alongside fellow campaigner Christine Caisley.

Ms Caisley set up a 'Stop the Closure' online petition when it was announced Lloyds was to close earlier this year. It was signed by more than 500 people.

Mr Opperman said: "I am delighted that Barclays has listened to residents’ concerns by providing these crucial banking facilities in Ponteland.

"I will continue to fight hard for community banking facilities across Tynedale and Ponteland. I am calling for further facilities to be made available across Tynedale and Ponteland to ensure our communities retain access to physical banking facilities."

Geoff Watson, Barclays Customer Care Director, said: "We’re delighted we will be able to operate from the Memorial Hall in Ponteland and they have made us feel very welcome. 

"We look forward to welcoming customers and local residents to our new location – please do call in and say hello as you’re sure to see some familiar faces."