BARCLAYS in Sale is closing this week, leaving customers with a three-mile trip to the nearest branch.

When the bank on Northenden Road closes this Friday, all customers wanting to visit a branch will need to go to George Street in Altrincham, or Wilbraham Road in Chorlton.

Both are around a three-mile, 15-minute drive from the current branch.

Barclays is not making redundancies as a result of the closure, with all workers offered alternative roles.

A booklet released by Barclays explained the reasons behind the closure.

It said the number of transactions made in the branch was down in the two years up to the start of the pandemic in March 2020, with 90% of customers using online or phone banking as well.

This is up from 80% in 2015.

The booklet also said that 35% of customers were using other, nearby branches, and that less than 100 customers were using the branch in Sale exclusively.

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A spokesperson for Barclays said: "The decision to close a branch is never an easy one.

"However, customers are increasingly using alternatives to branches to do their banking.

"As a result, we are seeing a sustained fall in branch visits across the UK.

"We'll work with customers and provide alternative options to ensure they can continue to manage their money and receive financial expertise when required."

Meanwhile, Trafford Council has approved a planning application to remove the ATM and signage from the building.

Fortunately, there is another free ATM just across the road at the Co-Op.

The future use of the building is unknown.