Barclays Bank users in Romsey received a letter to say the branch will be closing in December, adding to the list of more than 140 branches closing in 2022.

The British banking chain announced another round of branch closures at the beginning of August but the Romsey branch didn’t make the list.

Instead, Romsey Barclays users found out on the morning of Tuesday, September 13 in a letter that the branch would be closing on December 8, 2022. The announcement follows the bank's procedure that customers must be informed of their branch closure with at least 12 weeks notice.

The news has been circulating around the Romsey News and Information Facebook group after one member posted: “Very sad to read that Romsey Barclays branch are to close. The staff have always been so helpful.”

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The post has already received more than 100 comments, with locals expressing their disappointment, online banking concerns and ideas for what will take the bank’s place at The Old Corn Exchange in Romsey.

With the Totton branch also closing on Friday, September 16, the nearest Barclays Bank will now be in Upper Market Street in Eastleigh, Above Bar Street in Southampton, Jewry Street in Winchester or Lower Northam Road in Hedge End.

Romsey will join the list of more than 140 branches which have and are planned to close in 2022. Reasons for closure, not specific to Romsey, include an increase in online banking and consequential decrease in footfall.

The news came as a surprise to Romsey residents who questioned, on Facebook, why it was closing as the building is busy and users have to queue.

SEE ALSO: Resident speaks of frustration as Bishop's Waltham bank set to close

People who prefer not to bank online can now access their high street bank account, pay in cash and cheques, withdraw money and check their balance at any open post office. For more go to postoffice.co.uk/everydaybanking.

Barclays has been contacted for comment on the Romsey closure.