BARCLAYS' decision to close its Keighley branch has been condemned by the town's MP.

Robbie Moore says many people, including the most vulnerable, still rely on in-branch services.

Barclays confirmed this week that its North Street premises would close on August 9.

It said changes to the way people bank, with most customers now using online services, had led to its decision.

But the company added that it plans to open a Barclays Local facility in the town, where customers could access a range of support including with digital banking, financial reviews, balance checks, transfers and bill payments.

Mr Moore says: "I am strongly opposed to this closure, and it is concerning to see yet another local bank closing its doors to customers. Shutting down this service will disproportionately impact those who cannot access online banking or who rely solely on in-person banking services, which includes many of the most vulnerable residents across our area.

"Barclays says it will be maintaining a physical presence in Keighley through a new 'local site', potentially in the Airedale Shopping Centre, however I am not yet convinced that these measures are sufficient and worry that this is simply another smokescreen to further reduce banking services in our town.

"It is crucial that Barclays properly addresses the needs of its vulnerable customers who depend on physical branches and I look forward to discussing this with them directly.

"I will also be continuing with a campaign for a centralised banking hub for our community, similar to hubs set up in Otley and Knaresborough which have proven successful so far."

Barclays is the latest of several banks to close their Keighley branches in recent years.

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