Rishi Sunak MP has written to Barclays following concerns over the closure of the bank’s community branch in Leyburn.
The closure follows a disagreement between Barclays and Leyburn Town Council over the terms of a renewed agreement to use council premises for the banking service at the town’s Thornborough Hall.
The chairman of Leyburn Town Council, Richard Sanderson, said the bank had imposed conditions the council could not reasonably accommodate.
They said the bank insisted a member of town council staff had to remain on site whenever Barclays staff were present in the office.
According to the council, Barclays also required five days’ notice if staff needed to leave the office unattended, even for short periods to carry out duties such as playground inspections or unexpected absences.
The chairman said the council had attempted to negotiate a compromise in order to keep the service operating but said the bank refused to alter its position.
Cllr Sanderason said: “Unfortunately, Barclays have been extremely unhelpful with their contract renewal with Leyburn Town Council.
“We have tried to negotiate a reasonable compromise, but unfortunately Barclays are being extremely inflexible and insisting on their terms, which we cannot agree to, so therefore they have closed the office.
“This is a loss for the community which Leyburn Town Council have done their best to avoid, but Barclays just wouldn’t compromise.”
A spokesperson for the Richmond and Northallerton MP said Mr Sunak was aware of local frustration surrounding the loss of the service and had contacted the bank about the situation.
The spokesperson said: “Rishi is aware of and understands the concerns raised. He has written to Barclays about the matter.”
Barclays did not respond to a request for comment from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
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The major banks treat their customers like cash cows. They make billions in profit and supply less and less in service. They should be forced to keep branches open.