BARCLAYS has denied that it will be leaving a rural town without a banking presence. 

People in Bentham, Yorkshire, have received letters notifying them that the branch on the high street will be closing on Wednesday July 12.

This has left residents concerned that they will now have to travel to Kirkby Lonsdale or Lancaster for banking services. 

Ten years ago the town used to also have an HSBC opposite the Barclays branch. 

A Barclays spokesperson said: "Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking. 

"This is reflected at Bentham branch, and as we adapt, we are finding new ways to support our customers by maintaining our community presence with options for customers who still require in-person support.”

“In Bentham, we plan to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for banking support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel. We are currently working with the local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed.”

It argued that just 16 regular customers use the branch exclusively for its banking.