LOCAL Conservative councillors have expressed concerns about plans to close a branch of a bank in Guiseley.

Cllrs Paul Wadsworth and Paul Alderson said they were disappointed by Barclays Bank’s plans to close its Oxford Road branch in April this year, and urged it to consider the impact on vulnerable customers who still relied on in-person banking.

The proposed closure is part of plans to close a number of branches across the country.

Councillors Paul Wadsworth and Paul Alderson (Guiseley and Rawdon Ward) said: “This is extremely disappointing news and is bound to have an impact on residents who rely on this bank in Guiseley.

“It is sadly a sign of the times that, as people choose to use alternative banking methods for their daily needs, footfall at physical branches has reduced, raising challenges for banks in the same way it has for high street stores and services.

“But not everyone banks online, and banks need to think carefully about how to support their more vulnerable customers who prefer to use traditional methods, if local branches do close. We understand that options exist for local people to complete everyday transactions at the local post office and cash machines, but we are still concerned that some customers will be negatively impacted.

“We hope the bank will work with its more vulnerable regular customers to support them through these changes and ensure they are kept fully informed of what is proposed.”