BARCLAYS is to close its Ambleside branch from December 5, blaming a 60 per cent decline in customer visits.

The bank says the Market Place branch has suffered the fall because people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices to manage their accounts.

But the shock move has been criticised in the town, with Lakes Parish Council clerk Michael Johnson claiming the closure will cause ‘serious inconvenience’ to customers.

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Mr Johnson said he informed Barclays that their decision to close the branch was based on ‘historic’ information about footfall.

“I explained that this is historic and that with re-opening of the university campus, the coming influx of up to 500 mature students, the advent of Sainsburys, a possible Premier Inn and a Bijou Hotel, perhaps they might like to look again at their decision.

“I pointed out the serious inconvenience this will cause the people of Lakes parish and beyond who use Ambleside for their banking needs.

“The alternatives of Windermere or Keswick or Kendal are just not feasible especially in the summer months with the traffic on the A591.”

Mr Johnson said he asked Barclays to send a representative to discuss the closure plan at the next Lakes Parish Council meeting on September 24, but the request was ‘refused’.

However, Barclays has told the Westmorland Gazette today (Thursday) that it does plan to attend the meeting.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said: “I am incredibly disappointed that Barclays are thinking about closing our local branch. It's not just people and businesses in Ambleside who will suffer, but also the surrounding areas as well.

“To expect people to travel that extra distance to pay a cheque is wrong. Elderly and vulnerable people rely on this branch and I hope that Barclays think again."

Ambleside and Grasmere councillor Heidi Halliday said: “This is a ridiculous decision. More and more of our rural banks are being closed. This bank is well used by residents, visitors and businesses.

“I urge everyone who is affected by this decision to write to Barclays and ask them to reconsider this closure.”

A Barclays spokeswoman said: “There has been declining customer usage at our Ambleside branch and more than 60 per cent of customers now regularly use alternative branches, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close the branch on December 5.

“Our colleagues at Barclays Ambleside have been consulted about the change and will be given the opportunity to work at a nearby branch “In addition to the option of online, telephone and mobile banking customers can undertake everyday transactions at the nearby post office.

“We hope the range of alternatives help to ease the transition for our customers.”