An elderly couple have threatened to close their bank accounts after hearing their local branch will close.
The Barclays branch on Faircross Parade will shut its doors for the final time on Friday October 3, almost 80 years after first opening.
Ian and Christine Reid, 71 and 63 respectively, of Sherringham Drive, have used the branch for almost 40 years, but after undergoing an ankle replacement operation in April, Ian struggles to walk much further than his local bank.
He said: “I was really annoyed when we heard because the customers have not been consulted.
“I can’t walk to Dagenham or Barking town centre so it’ll be car ride and then a long queue because those branches are always busy anyway.
“I’ve used the branch for almost 40 years, as have many elderly people, but I might just close my Barclays account now.”
A sub-branch was originally opened at 13 Faircross Parade on May 1 1935, but closed five years later in the early years of the Second World War.
The current full branch, occupying numbers 13 and 14, opened on August 10 1970.
A Barclays spokesperson said: “At our Barking, Faircross Parade branch, customer usage has been significantly declining over a number of years and more than two thirds of customers now regularly use our alternative branches, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close the branch on Friday 3rd October 2014.
“Our colleagues at Barclays Barking, Faircross Parade branch have been consulted about the change and will be given the opportunity to work at a nearby branch.”
Local opinion has so far been divided on social media.
Green S posted on Streetlife: “When we have used it, it has always been busy and the customer service has definitely improved as it was previously poor.
“Shame it’s closing as it provides a local service.”
However Alan T believes the decision makes business sense.
He wrote: “I have used it a few times and I have never seen more than one other person using it at the same time.
“While this is good for the customers, it is obviously not cost effective.”
Do you use the Barclays bank on Faircross Parade, in Barking?
Will it be inconvenient for you when it closes later this year, or will you be glad to see it go?
Email mark.shales@archant.co.uk or call 020 8477 3824.
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