On Friday morning, Barclays announced it would be closing the Haverhill High Street branch, with the final day of trading being on Friday, September 8.
The banking giant revealed there had been a decline in customers using the branch on a regular basis.
The town’s mayor, councillor David Smith, said the loss of this community service is a “slap in the face” for Haverhill.
Councillor David Smith, who became Haverhill’s mayor on Monday, May 15. (Image: Haverhill Town Council)
“The people who will suffer are the most vulnerable among us,” he added.
“I hope this doesn’t signify further closures for Haverhill, but who is to say?”
With TSB, Natwest and HSBC withdrawing from the town in recent years, Haverhill is now only to be left with a Lloyds Bank, also in High Street.
West Suffolk district councillor for Haverhill Margaret Marks said she was “shocked beyond words” following the announcement, particularly given that she has banked with Barclays all her life.
West Suffolk District councillor for Haverhill Margaret Marks has banked with Barclays all her life. (Image: West Suffolk Council)
“This is a slippery slope to a cashless society, which is somewhere we really don’t want to be,” she said.
“It’s appalling and greatly disappointing that they’ve chosen to do this.”
Cllr Marks also took issue with the banking giant’s reasoning, saying the loss of services had driven people to use the automated machines, rather than the other way round.
Echoing these sentiments, councillor Joe Mason, who represents the Haverhill North ward, said the move was “incredibly disappointing”.
Councillor Joe Mason who represents Haverhill North ward. (Image: West Suffolk Council)
He added that it further limited the offer on the high street and encouraged residents to ensure they support local businesses.
“As a councillor, I take any opportunity to revitalise the high street,” said Cllr Mason.
“But this decision from Barclays highlights a worrying trend and cause for real concern.”
Barclays is closing in Haverhill (file photo) (Image: PA)
A spate of banks closures have been announced in Suffolk in recent months, with Barclays also shutting in Newmarket, Sudbury, Mildenhall and Framlingham.
