Oldham MP slams ‘unfair’ decision to close Barclays bank

Debbie Abrahams, who has held the Oldham East and Saddleworth seat since 2011, described the closure as “unfair” and said that it penalises the elderly and disabled.

It was announced earlier this month that the bank on High Street would close, as Barclays said it was seeing more customers choosing to bank using an app, online or via phone.

But Mrs Abrahams said: “While I recognise the argument that only 14 per cent of transactions involve cash, many older, sick and disabled people rely on cash.

Debbie Abrahams MP speaking in the House of Commons earlier this month (Image: Parliament Live TV)

“They are also more likely to need face-to-face support, a point I made in my 'save Greenfield’s ticket office' campaign last year. This is yet another example of the rights of older and disabled people being ignored.”

The Labour MP added: “At the same time that these bank branches are closing, ATMs are also being withdrawn, penalising people on low incomes.

“I have written to the government minister responsible for protecting cash access as well as the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority raising the concerns of my constituents and the failure of banks to meet the ‘Access to Banking’ code that they agreed to.

Barclays Bank, on High Street, is the latest bank set to close in Oldham (Image: Google Street Views)

“I will continue my work on this in Oldham and in Parliament to stand up for the rights of local people to have face-to-face local services, including banking.”

The Labour Party has pledged to introduce 350 new banking hubs across the country, if elected.

The Oldham branch is set to close on May 24.

A spokesperson for the bank explained why the move was made, they said: “As visits to branches continue to fall, with the majority of people preferring to bank online, we need to adapt to provide the best service for all our customers.

"This is reflected at Oldham branch where we are delivering new ways to support our customers and the community with options for those who need in-person services."

However, they told The Oldham Times that the bank hopes to open up a "Barclays Local".

They continued: “In Oldham we plan to open a Barclays Local – a 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.”