Rayleighs Barclays Bank branch on the High Street closes for good on 22nd March 2024 – but the allure of Rayleigh means that it has sought an alternative home (for how long, we don’t know). Unlike in Rochford, Barclays hasn’t simply withdrawn all its presence. It has come up with a deal with Essex Library Service to have a presence inside the library!
On Barclays Facebook page it states
We are pleased to announce that on Monday 25th March 2024 we will be opening a further Barclays Local in Rayleigh.
This will be based in Rayleigh Library on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9.00am -12.30pm and 1.00pm – 4.30pm.
Barclays Local offer in-person banking support. Colleagues provide face-to-face assistance, helping customers with their everyday finances and money management needs. Each Barclays Local also offers free digital skills workshops and fraud and scams awareness events for the community.
Although we will be cashless and unable to accept cheques, we can help you pay in cheques via the Barclays App, or direct you to your nearest post office, where they will also be pleased to assist you.
We will offer both a walk in service and also you will be able to book appointments through the following link www.barclays.co.uk/local
https://www.facebook.com/BarclaysCommunity/posts/pfbid0As9VRZUEE8FJUhkbUsAJDiw9AqakxLYQnz93sHTQxu5Yf5aRkHWgAAZvZzZEVxVml
It should help Essex County Council with the savings it needs to make, if it can get the private sector to help subsidise the running costs of its estate.
Rochfords only saving grace is the banking hub which was brought to its town by the late Lib Dem Cllr, Craig Cannell and others. Craig was very much ahead of time, getting involved in the pilot scheme and recognising the need in Rochford for these important services.