A MEETING to discuss the future of the Barclays bank branch in Malvern has been set up.

We reported last week how Barclays intends to close down its branch in the town in August, blaming poor footfall for the closure.

Since then, West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has secured a meeting with Barclays to discuss the closure plans and explore future options.

Mrs Baldwin said: “I welcome the swift response from Barclays Bank and plan to follow up with a meeting as soon as possible to get a better level of detail on this decision.

“I understand that the bank has seen a decline in visits in person but it has been a pandemic, and I am concerned that Barclays, like other high street banks, are withdrawing from offering vital high street services at a time when we need to show support for local businesses and local shoppers.

“With the bank network shrinking, this will mean fewer trips to the high street which will have a knock on effect on local traders.

"I welcome the bank’s commitments to support its elderly and vulnerable customers but I will keep the pressure on this bank and others to support the high street at this critical time in our national covid recovery plan.”

Last week, we reported how the banking company was due to shut down the branch, meaning people wanting to do their banking in person have to travel to Ledbury, 7.7 miles away.

Mayor of Malvern Cllr Neil Morton urged residents to “vote with their feet” over the decision and bank elsewhere.

At the time, a Barclays spokesman said: “The decision to close a branch is never an easy one.

“However, customers are increasingly using alternatives to branches to do their banking.

“As a result, we are seeing a sustained fall in branch visits across the UK.

“We will work with our customers and provide alternative options to ensure they can continue to manage their money and receive financial expertise when required.”