Activists took over the area outside a branch of Barclays Bank over the weekend to send a message to the business about the climate crisis.

Demonstrators from an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion known as Mothers Rebellion appeared in Altrincham on Saturday (November 18).

According to the organisation, which consists of mothers as well as anyone else who is concerned for children's futures, Barclays Bank invested tens of billions of pounds into fossil fuels between 2016 and 2022.

Activists took over the area outside the branch on George Street to send a message to the business about the climate crisis as a part of a day of action involving demonstrators across 30 countries on six continents.

Jemma Russell, a mother of two, said: "We are devastated for the children around the world who are already dying from the effects of air pollution, droughts and floods. Our circle highlights the lack of action to protect children from the climate crisis and demonstrates how businesses, such as Barclays, are continuing to fund fossil fuels. 

"A change can be achieved when we refuse to give up and when we refuse to look away for our children and all children everywhere."

Messenger Newspapers: The demonstration in Altrincham

A Barclays spokesperson said the bank was one of the first banks to set a target to be net zero by the middle of the century.

They set out other targets to cut investment in high-carbon sectors and increase investment in low-carbon sectors by 2030.

The Barclays spokesperson said: "We believe Barclays can make a difference as a bank by working with customers and clients as they transition to a low-carbon business model, focussing on facilitating the finance needed to change business practices and to scale new technologies. This includes oil and gas companies which are critical to the transition, and which have committed significant resources and expertise to renewable energy. 

"Where companies are unwilling to reduce their emissions consistent with internationally accepted pathways, they may find it difficult to access financing, including from Barclays."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.