Baldock is set to be left with no banks after the town’s branch of Barclays confirmed it will shut its doors later this year.

The Comet: Lloyds Bank in Baldock is one of 100 of the firm's branches set to close between July and October. Photo: Google Street ViewLloyds Bank in Baldock is one of 100 of the firm's branches set to close between July and October. Photo: Google Street View (Image: Archant)

The bank has issued a statement today saying it will close its Whitehorse Street branch on October 6.

Barclays had been set to be the one remaining Baldock bank, after Lloyds Bank confirmed in April it would close its High Street branch on August 7.

Donna Hagan, community banking director for Barclays Hertfordshire, said: “The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices.

“At Barclays Baldock branch, customer usage has fallen and over half – 56 per cent of our customers – now regularly use alternative branches, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close it.

“We hope that the availability of our nearest Barclays branch at Letchworth, as well as access to services at the local Post Office at 36 Whitehorse Street, along with our range of digital channels, will help to ease the transition for our customers.”

A spokesman for Barclays added that the bank did not take the decision to close any branch lightly and is committed to adhering to the UK Access to Banking Standard.

All customers will receive a letter and a decision to close document and posters will be displayed in branch. Staff will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have.

The bank says it will be pro-actively engaging with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally, before the branch closes.

It will also be hosting ‘tea and teach’ sessions at the Baldock branch for customers wishing to explore digital banking.