THE CLOSURE of a Barclays branch in a Buckinghamshire town within months caused upset among residents and the MP. 

Barclays cited changes in customer banking habits as a reason for the closure of its Amersham branch on Sycamore Road on March 1 2023 and others across the UK. 

Chesham and Amersham MP Sarah Green reacted to the closure announcement, saying “access to cash is essential.”

She commented: "It should not be up to banks to cut communities off from vital in person services."

“While an increasing number of people are banking online, there are still many individuals and small businesses relying on in person banking services.

"I am concerned that the string of local bank closures will make it more difficult for these people to access their money.

"I welcome the commitment from Barclays to maintain an alternative physical presence in the community and have asked to meet with them to find out how they will support residents following the closure of this branch." 

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She said the Liberal Democrats called on the government to protect cash access and “reform proposals for Community Banking Hubs to remove the right of a single bank to veto one being set up." 

Upset Barclays customers in Amersham took to social media following the announcement.  

One customer said: “Oh no. This is bad news. Not everybody banks on line. Sometimes you really need to speak to someone in person. Getting through on the phone is almost impossible.”

Another commentator felt “sorry for the older generation who are uncomfortable banking online.”

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