A market town is set to lose a third bank this year as another chain announced its closure.

Barclays Bank has informed customers that it will be closing its Market Place branch later this year, as it joins HSBC and NatWest in closing up in Fakenham.

HSBC closed its doors in May, while NatWest is set to close on August 10 - with plans already in place to gut the business when it closes.

Barclays told customers that it will close for good on October 6.

A spokesman for Barclays said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking. This is reflected at the Fakenham branch and as we adapt, we are finding new ways to support our customers by maintaining our community presence with options for customers who still require in-person support.

“In Fakenham, we plan to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for banking support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel. We are currently working with the local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed.”

People from the town took to social media to react to this latest closure, with Alie-May Hannam, landlady of The Crown pub in the town informing people she was notified of the closure via email on June 29.

Eastern Daily Press: Alie-May Hannam, Landlady at The Crown, in FakenhamAlie-May Hannam, Landlady at The Crown, in Fakenham (Image: Archant 2022)

Mrs May-Hannam said: “This news is really sad.

“I’ve had my business account with Barclays for many years and even though I use online banking, that is no good when you need to pay in cash and need a lot of change for the weekend.

“I really feel for the staff, all of which are lovely.”

The nearest Barclays branch can be found in Dereham.