Following a meeting this morning with local, district and county councillors, Love Helmsley and Barclays representatives, I have reiterated that it is essential Helmsley isn't left without banking provisions before Barclays closes its doors in February.
As constituents may know, I have previously written to the CEO of Barclays on this to make this clear. I completely accept that given the low footfall difficult decisions had to be taken, However, Helmsley has seen a diminishing range of services over the past few years as well as being hit by the Bilsdale mast issues. Banking services will be available through the post office, but there are often lengthy queues there and the other major issue here is clearly the lack of an ATM and lack of guarantee that provisions will be in place before the closure in February.
Barclays are hoping to find a suitable property to host a permanent ATM which would require planning permission, especially given the historic nature of many of the town's buildings. If constituents know of any premises where an ATM would be hosted, such as shops or community buildings, please get in touch with my office and I will pass this on. Barclays is the last external free to use ATM in the town and I have made clear that residents cannot be left without this service, even if this means maintaining the current ATM in the meantime. Barclays have also committed to providing their mobile banking service and to manning a desk in a local facility for education and information purposes.
Myself and local, county and district councillors, along with Love Helmsley, will continue to ensure the interests of Helmsley residents are represented. We are due to meet again early in the New Year to discuss developments.
