BASILDON and Billericay MP John Baron has officially opened the Barclays Community site at the Chantry Centre in Billericay which provides an in-person service in order to help customers who may not wish to, or cannot, engage with telephone and online banking methods.

Mr Baron has been ardent in his bid to maintain some levels of personal service after a raft of High Street bank closures in the area.

Staff will be on hand on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 5pm offering face to face financial support and education for customers, without the need to travel.

the informal setting of this 'in-person' banking service – John, Marie and Martin representing customers receiving help from the Barclays team.

Mr Baron said: "I am delighted that Barclays has responded and recognised the need to provide an in-person service in Billericay in order to help customers who may not wish to, or cannot, engage with telephone and online banking methods. This will particularly help the vulnerable in our community."

"I encourage residents to use this service based at the Chantry Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays to ensure its ongoing future viability – it will continue if demand is sufficient. Once again, I thank Barclays for showing such a great community spirit."

 Stuart Pugh, Barclays Customer Care Leader said: "We're delighted to launch the replace banking service here in Billericay. This represents our commitment to customers and the local community who wish to continue to have an in-person banking presence by offering the ability to visit Barclays on their local high street, albeit in a different environment."

Customers visiting the centre will be able to access a wide range of services including financial reviews, balance requests, open new accounts and have support with digital banking. As the Chantry Centre is a cashless site, everyday banking transactions will need to be completed at the local Post Office.