BARCLAYS will close its Halesowen town centre branch next year, the bank has confirmed.

The Queensway branch reduced its opening times to two days a week in July when it reopened after the coronavirus lockdown.

Rumours circulated at the time that it would be shutting permanently and Barclays say a reduction in footfall has led to the closure.

Barclays figures show that only 47 people regularly use the branch exclusively for their banking needs.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “The decision to close a branch is never an easy one.

"However, customers are increasingly using alternatives to branches to do their banking.

"As a result, we are seeing a sustained fall in branch visits across the UK.

“This is reflected at the Halesowen branch where there has been a 19 per cent reduction in counter transactions in the two years to March 2020.

"In addition, 83 per cent of our customers at the branch are also using different ways to bank.

“We will work with our customers and provide alternative options to ensure they can continue to manage their money and receive financial expertise when required.”

No redundancies are expected due to the closure, with employees working at the Halesowen branch to be offered alternative roles.

The Halesowen branch will close on February 5, 2021 with the next nearest branch located at 70 Birmingham Road, Rowley Regis.

Barclays say customers have a wide range of options to complete their banking including the Barclays app, telephone banking, online banking and video banking.

Everyday transactions can be completed at the Post Office.

Barclays will engage with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally.

They will be offering virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch-based banking.