Leiston bank closure labelled 'disappointing' by Suffolk MP

Leiston is set to be left with no physical banks after Barclays announced they will be closing their branch in Main Street later this year. 

The banking giant has said the reasoning behind the closure is due to lack of customers using the bank. 

Barclays in Leiston will be closing later this year (Image: PA)

According to Barclays, only 64 customers use the branch regularly and 86% of people who do use it also use the online banking app. 

Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey said: "I find it disappointing and short sighted from Barclays bank, especially given the influx of workers at Sizewell C.

Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"I will work with the Town Council to see if a banking hub can be established.”

The news comes after Barclays closed their Southwold and Halesworth branches last year. 

Dr Coffey has joined the chorus calling for banking hubs in more Suffolk towns after a number of bank closures. 

Last year she said she would be "applying for a banking hub for Southwold and Halesworth".

Although the bank will be closing in Leiton, Barclays has said it will still maintain a presence in the community.

A spokesman for the bank said: "We want to reassure you that we’re here to help. We’ll stay in your community and you’ll be able to talk to us in person.

"We’re finalising the details of where we’ll be based, and when, to support you with your banking, and we‘ll share the details locally once confirmed.

"We’ll be available to help you with things like day-to-day banking queries and helping you manage your money, though there won’t be access to cash at this site."

After the branch closes on Friday, May 17, the next closest Barclays bank will be in Lowestoft which is 23 miles away.