The last bank in Botley is set to close in January and residents are furious.

Barclays bank has announced it will be closing its Botley branch on January 29, 2021.

Since the start of lockdown the number of people visiting high street banks has decreased causing many to close across the UK, but Botley residents want the bank to stay open.

Jacquie Pearce Gervis is the former Radcliffe Infirmary typist and founder of Oxford’s Patient Voice group, she lives in Botley and is in her 70s and she is very disappointed that the bank is closing.

She said: “We are really upset because we have had months of destructive roadworks and building, shops are just beginning to open and they are still trying to attract traders.

“It is not an appropriate time to close the bank.

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"I know they are looking at footfall and people have not been going out to the bank because we have been told not to, so of course the numbers are down.”

Mrs Pearce Gervis added: “If we are not careful Botley will become a ‘white elephant’ we have got Tesco and Iceland and the Co-op but they are still trying to attract traders, but it is going to be quite off putting for traders if there is no bank.”

Barclays bank issued a letter to its customers informing them that the bank will be closing next year.

In the letter it suggests customers use another Barclays branch, online banking or the post office when the branch closes.

However, if customers want to visit another branch they will have to travel into Oxford city centre, which for many elderly residents and local businesses is inconvenient.

Chris Church from North Hinksey Parish Council said the closure of the last bank is ‘alarming’ and will cause problems for the elderly and small businesses.

He said: “For people whose businesses handle cash and require them to visit a bank, this is going to be a real problem.

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"It is not good for our local economy and I think for all the people who are not used to doing online banking it is going to be a real problem.”

He added: “It is at a point when Covid is keeping people out of the city centre, forcing people into a city centre is not good especially older people who will be more vulnerable.”

Data from Which.co.uk shows high street banks have been rapidly closing with online and mobile banking rising and fewer people visiting branches. Which revealed that between 2015 and 2019 Barclays bank closed more than 500 branches across the UK including a branch in Headington, Oxford.

Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said: “This is sadly a blow to Botley residents, especially older constituents of mine who really need face-to-face services. This comes after we lost a proper Post Office and as our library remains shut.

“Barclays have told me that the majority of the Botley customers are also using alternative ways to bank, but I worry a significant minority will be left isolated. They have reassured me that no one will be made redundant as a result of this.

“I and my team will work with Barclays and others on this.”