POSITIVE arrangements for banking services have been made following the announcement two branches will close in August.

Hexham MP Guy Opperman and Prudhoe councillor Gordon Stewart spoke with Barclays representatives after the closure of Haltwhistle and Prudhoe's branches was announced.

Barclays will open a Barclays Local in both towns, which is a pop-up cashless banking site where customers can meet a Barclays employee and receive face-to-face banking support as they would in a branch.

Appropriate sites will be identified in both towns in the coming weeks.

Mr Opperman said: "I welcome this meeting following Barclays' decision to close their Haltwhistle and Prudhoe branches.

"I am working with Barclays to ensure their customers in Haltwhistle and Prudhoe are not left behind after the branches close.

"We must retain in-person banking facilities for our rural communities and towns."

Geoff Watson, Barclays customer care director, said: "We're committed to both Haltwhistle and Prudhoe, and we look forward to announcing our Barclays Local sites as soon as we've secured a new location."

Cllr Gordon Stewart said: “I am delighted that Barclays have agreed to keep a presence in our town.

"There will be a change in facilities from the current branch, but local residents will be able to meet a Barclays advisor face-to-face.”