THE last remaining bank in Middlewich, Barclays, is set to cut its opening hours due to a ‘decline in customer usage’ in the branch.

After the Middlewich Natwest bank on Wheelock Street closed in 2013, residents and business owners were left with just Barclays, also on Wheelock Street, as a place to bank in the town.

However, Barclays has now confirmed that it is set to reduce opening hours at their Middlewich branch by 11 hours a week, with the bank set to be closed all day on Tuesdays.

The reduction is set to be introduced from Monday, November 30.

Lisa McCormick, Barclays community leader for Middlewich, said: "The way customers interact and undertake their banking is changing as people are increasingly moving away from traditional branches and using online, telephone and mobile devices for everyday transactions.

"While branches are still an important part of our business they must reflect how and when our customers are choosing to visit us.

“At Middlewich, we have experienced a decline in customer usage on specific days during the week, as such, we have made the decision to change our opening hours from November 30 to Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10am to 4pm.

"Our colleagues have been informed about the change and will work at alternative branches on the days Middlewich branch is closed.

“We are committed to delivering a service that is shaped around what our customers want, offering them choice and flexibility, which is why Middlewich branch will remain open four days a week."

Members of the public say they are ‘disappointed’ that the only bank left in the town is now feeling the need to reduce its opening hours.

Emma Dalzell, owner of Middlewich-based company Bare Bones Marketing, said: “As a business based in Middlewich and a customer of Barclays, I’m really disappointed that they are taking the step to reduce their opening hours and closing completely on a Tuesday.

"Not every transaction can be done online, some of our customers pay by cheque and to be able to pop into the branch to pay cheques in is not just convenient, but essential.

“Having face-to-face contact makes it far easier to get a business question answered, and provides a far more personal service, which is why we bank with the only main bank left in Middlewich.”