ANOTHER Keighley bank is to close.

Barclays has announced that its branch, in North Street, will shut its doors for good on Friday, August 9.

It is the latest in a series of bank closures in the town.

Virgin Money, formerly Yorkshire Bank, vacated its North Street premises in early 2022.

And nearby Lloyds Bank shut its doors in November, although the group currently has a community banker based at Keighley Library every Tuesday, between 9am and 3pm.

Barclays says changes to the way people bank have led to its decision, but it pledges that a presence will be retained in the town.

A spokesperson told the Keighley News: "As visits to branches continue to fall, with the majority of people preferring to bank online, we need to adapt to provide the best service for all our customers.

"This is reflected at Keighley where we're delivering new ways to support our customers and the community with options for those who need in-person services.

"We plan to open a Barclays Local – a cashless banking site where customers can meet a staff member face-to-face for banking support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel. We are currently working with the local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed."

Barclays Local is currently present at over 300 locations in the UK, with venues including town halls, libraries and mobile vans.

Customers can access a range of support including with digital banking, financial reviews, balance checks, transfers and bill payments.

Everyday transactions can also be completed at post offices.

The closest Barclays branch will be at Market Street, in Bradford.

Keighley's town mayor, Councillor John Kirby, says he is "disappointed" at the closure decision and hopes alternative provision will go ahead.

He said: "I’m disappointed to see another high street bank closing down.

"I appreciate more of us are banking in different ways, but for many people high street banks provide an invaluable service.

"I would like to see a community banking hub in Keighley, similar to the one that has recently opened in Barnoldswick. The hub provides many of the services the branches currently provide. In addition, staff from each bank are in attendance on at least one day a week for more detailed enquiries and assistance."

Barclays has also recently announced the closure of its branch in Skipton, where a hub opens next month.