Barclays has introduced new reduced hours at its branch in Hexham.

The branch on Priestpopple will now be open between 9.30am and 3pm Monday to Friday but not open on Saturday or Sunday.

Barclays said it believes that the new branch opening hours are 'reflective of when customers visit branches', adding that 96 per cent of personal customers and 97 per cent of business and corporate clients only use the branch before 3pm. 

The changes will standardise operating hours across the UK, replacing the current model of branches closing at four different times across the network, counters closing earlier than the branch and some branches being closed on days during the week.

Outside of branch opening hours, Barclays said it 'remains 24/7 via the Barclays app', video banking and telephony, available Monday to Friday 7am to 8pm and weekends 9am to 5pm. Outside of branch opening hours, colleagues are able to support customer demand across virtual and digital channels as well as at Barclays Local sites.

Customers still able to pay-in or withdraw cash and cheques at the Post Office or by using deposit-taking ATMs located outside of Barclays branches.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “Our new midweek opening hours of 9.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday will bring consistency to branches across the UK, reducing confusion and ensuring we are open during the times customers visit most.

"These changes also include aligning our counter service to opening hours midweek, so our counter is open until the branch closes.

"Customers, including SMEs, can continue to bank outside these hours across a range of channels including the Barclays app, our telephony service and via video banking appointments."