AS a Northumberland village loses its last face-to-face banking outlet, a local building society has reiterated its commitment to retaining and offering in-person services.
Today (November 13), Ponteland’s Barclays Local at the leisure centre closes its doors for the final time.
In terms of reasoning behind the closure, Barclays say that after reviewing how the community were using the banking outlet, they found that many people were 'banking digitally' and 'meeting virtually'.
New data released by Barclays shows:
- 74% of people who used the Ponteland Barclays Local also bank with Barclays by app, online and by phone.
- Less than 10 people used the Ponteland Barclays Local regularly as the only way to speak to the bank.
- 63% of customers using the Ponteland Barclays Local also visited their other branches.
A spokesperson for Barclays said: "When we opened this (Ponteland) Barclays Local, we wanted to be nearby so people could speak to us in person. We did this even when more and more people were using our app or online resources instead. As time has passed, even more customers are banking digitally and meeting us virtually."
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The village will now rely on Newcastle Building Society and the Post Office for its in‑person banking needs.
Barclays Local's Ponteland exit follows a swift regression of in-person banking options in the Tyne Valley and wider areas.
In January, Lloyds Banking Group announced it would be closing 136 branches by March 2026. This includes its Lloyds branch in Prudhoe, which closed in May and its Hexham Lloyds and Halifax branches, which both closed on November 5.
In the wake of the banking closures, in September, Northumberland county councillor and Hexham Mayor, Derek Kennedy, has urged residents to switch to banks or building societies that have 'committed to the area in the long term', like 'Newcastle BS' and 'Skipton BS'.
Northumberland county councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken said that it is 'disappointing' that the big banks are 'deserting communities' whilst also stirring up conversations around new banking hubs, credit unions, and local banks.
In the wake of the banking closures, Newcastle Building Society has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping in-person financial and banking services in the area, including at its Ponteland and Hexham branches.
They say they want to help address the lack of access to cash that communities are facing following bank branch closures. This includes piloting the OneBanx multi-bank kiosk in Hexham, which enables small businesses and personal customers of any bank to deposit and withdraw cash from their current accounts.
Ben Smith, head of commercial and product development at Newcastle Building Society, said: "Customers tell us all the time that they’re worried about bank branch closures in their communities, so residents and local businesses in Ponteland will be concerned about the news of the closure of the town’s last bank branch.
"It’s important that people are given a choice about how they manage their money. Many people still want the option of speaking to someone in person about their money – especially when dealing with some of life’s biggest challenges – like planning a family, buying a first home, or dealing with a family bereavement.
"Whether it’s from the fantastic team at our Ponteland branch or any of our other locations, we’re committed to providing face-to-face financial services and advice alongside convenient digital facilities."
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