BARCLAYS Bank closed its branch in Skipton High Street last week and moved to new premises in Swadford Street.

The new Barclays Local, in the Swadford Hub, opened on Friday, the day after the High Street branch closed, and will says the bank provide 'easy access for customers with digital and complex banking needs'.

Staff will be on hand on weekdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 1pm to 4pm offering 'face to face financial support and education for customers, without the need to travel'.

Michael Richardson, Barclays deputy customer care director for Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to launch the replace banking service here in Skipton. This represents our commitment to customers and the local community who wish to continue to have an in-person banking presence by offering the ability to visit Barclays on their local high street, albeit in a different environment.”

Skipton MP Julian Smith, who was at the launch, said: “I know many residents and businesses were deeply disappointed by the closure of the popular Skipton branch, so I'm really pleased that Barclays have taken this on board and worked hard to ensure that there will continue to be a local, in-person service here in Skipton.

"It was a pleasure to open the Barclays Local site today in the Swadford Centre and I look forward to working with Barclays to ensure that the needs of local residents and businesses continue to be served in Skipton."

Customers visiting the Swadford Hub will be able to access a wide range of services including financial reviews, balance requests, open new accounts and have support with digital banking. As the centre is a cashless site, everyday banking transactions will need to be completed elsewhere.

Barclays says it is committed to deploying a range of more flexible ways that customers can physically interact with the bank, this includes over 330 banking sites located in town centres, in spaces such as community centres, libraries and business hubs where it offers drop in and pre-booked appointments.