AFTER the closure of the last remaining Barclays branch in Powys, the bank has announced that a compensatory new service is open for business to its customers.

Barclays in Builth Wells shut on March 6. The ATM at the Crown Buildings premises is now boarded up and signs directing customers to other locations.

The new Barclays Local ‘branch’ opened at the Strand Hall this week and will be open to customers on Wednesday and Friday each week.

Meanwhile, High Street Stores & Builth Wells Post Office, located next door to the closed Barclays branch, is offering many of the same services to Barclays account holders, and still remains keen on taking over Crown Buildings and expanding its services.

County Times: A sign, complete with happy face, lets customers know banking services remain available next door at the post office. A sign, complete with happy face, lets customers know banking services remain available next door at the post office. (Image: Matt Jones)

“We are pleased to let you know that the Barclays Local at the Strand Builth Wells is now open,” Barclays UK Community Social said in a post on Facebook on Wednesday (March 13).

“We are excited to welcome you all. You can find us at the Strand Hall, Strand Street, Builth Wells, LD2 3AE.

“We are here every Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5pm.

“Walk-ins welcome from 9am to 12.30pm. Appointments available from 1.30pm.

“If you would like to book an appointment from 1.30pm onwards you can do this at https://events.uk.barclays/local/. We can help with all of your digital needs.”

Days before Barclays left town, or their previous, permanent home, neighbours High Street Stores sent out a reminder to residents that they can still bank locally, at the post office, located in store.

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“As Barclays is unfortunately closing its doors, we're just wanting to remind you all that we do banking here at the post office,” they said in a post on their Facebook page.

“We are open until 8pm from Monday-Saturday, to be there for people who aren't free during normal work hours as well.

“We unfortunately don't do everything that Barclays and other banks can offer but we do the majority of everyday and business banking.

“This includes: cash withdrawals, cash deposits, banking cheques, household bills and gas and electric.

“If you have any questions about anything at all, please pop in and ask one of us anything at all. We're always happy to help.”

County Times: Barclays shut on March 6; it was the last remaining Barclays branch in Powys. Barclays shut on March 6; it was the last remaining Barclays branch in Powys. (Image: Matt Jones/Google Street View)

The popular local convenience store, which also doubles up as the town’s post office, announced in early February that it is hoping to take over Crown Buildings, where it could expand and enhance the current services offered.

The move is subject to a consultation period, which began on February 8. It ends on March 21. If approved, a move next door would likely take place between April and May.

You can share your views on the proposed change via an online questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk. Use the search function to find the consultation for this branch either by branch name, postcode or the unique branch code: 239644.

Alternatively, email comments@postoffice.co.uk or call 03452 660115.