Barclays mobile bank van opens in church graveyard as local branch closes - location 'only option available'

Customers are currently able to book a Barclays Van appointment at St Andrew's Church, Church Road, Hove, BN3 2AD on the bank's website.

There are slots available on the first three Mondays in December, correct at the time of writing.

Do you live in Hove? What do you think about bank branch closures in your local area? Get in touch by emailing money@gbnews.uk.

One person said: “Barclays closing their Hove branch to save costs and then place themselves in St Andrew’s Church in the graveyard,” The Argus reports.

"They were there this morning until 2pm providing banking services to customers who banked at their now closing Hove Branch.

“What a PR disaster for a £60 billion global bank.”

A spokesperson for the bank said Barclays was rolling out its weekly van visits ahead of the Hove bank branch closing so customers who usually visit the branch on Church Road could get used to the new format.

They said the graveyard location was only temporary while it looked for a long-term alternative, but said the church was "currently the only option available".

Barclays said the number of customers visiting the branch has dropped as more people choose to band via the app, online or telephone banking. The bank said 52 customers use the Hove branch regularly as their only way to do their banking.

The Barclays Van service does not have a cash or counter service, but customers can talk to staff about the following:

• Making a plan for their money
• Home buying or moving
• Reducing outgoings
• Digital banking and staying safe online

The Barclays spokesperson said: “As visits to branches continue to fall, with the majority of people preferring to bank online, we need to adapt to provide the best service for all our customers.

"This is reflected at Hove, where we are delivering new ways to support our customers and the community with options for those who need in-person services.

“We plan for the Barclays van to visit one day a week, a cashless banking alternative where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for a variety of support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel.

“We have worked with the local community and council to source a suitable location to park the van and the church is currently the only option available and is fully supportive of our presence.”

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Dan Henderson, vicar at St Andrew's, told The Argus: "Recently we have begun hosting a Barclays banking van every Monday to serve those in the community who will find it difficult to undergo their banking tasks once the Barclays branch in George Street is closed.

"We see this as a practical way to serve the community and to help Barclays maintain a face-to-face option when it comes to banking, something that is valued by many in our congregation and community.

"Our church grounds are solely maintained by volunteers and hosting these businesses helps to increase positive community use, decrease anti-social behaviour and fund our vision to 'Love God and Love Hove like Jesus'."

In the Hove bank branch closure notice, Barclays pointed out customers could find a cashier service and self-service at Barclays branches in Brighton and Worthing.

The 139-142 North Street, Brighton BN1 1RU branch is a 2.1 to 2.4-mile drive from the Hove branch, while the Chapel House, 1 Chapel Road, Worthing BN11 1E branch is 10 to 12.5 miles away by car, depending on the route, according to Google Maps.