Call for talks as Much Wenlock bank branch to close on Fridays

Barclays Bank in Much Wenlock claims a drop in footfall has made it economically unviable to open more than three days a week.

The High Street bank said a decline in customers on specific days had led to the change and the new format had been agreed with traders.

But Robert Toft, clerk of the Much Wenlock Chamber of Trade, said none of its members had been consulted on the changes.

The bank began opening on just Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 3.30pm earlier this month.

Mr Toft said it was important the bank stayed open on Fridays as it was the town's busiest trading day.

"Most of the chamber's members would have preferred it not to be closed on a Friday," he said.

"The chamber was not consulted with but we're still in contact with the bank and other people can still make their views known.

"Friday is one of the busiest days of the week in Wenlock because the market is on and all the shops are open.

"Ideally we would like the bank to stay open for four days but if it is reduced to three any other day than Friday would be better."

Much Wenlock Town Council has also written to the bank to try and keep the venue open at least four days a week.

Town clerk Sharon Clayton said: "The bank says it has consulted traders who have been told that closing Friday would be the best day – but this is contrary to what traders have told us.

"If the bank closes on Friday it will be closed for three consecutive days.

"This will inconvenience our older residents who only visit the town once a week when they come into town to do all their shopping. They may have to travel into town two days a week instead of one."

Sarah McCormick, Barclays Community Leader for Shropshire, said the way customers interacted and undertook their banking was changing.

"People are increasingly moving away from traditional branches and using online, telephone and mobile devices for everyday transactions," she said.

"In Much Wenlock, we have experienced a decline in customer usage on specific days during the week."

"Our colleagues will work at alternative branches on the days the branch is closed."