Barclays Bank has announced that it intends to close its branch in Eaton later this year.

Eastern Daily Press: Brian Watkins, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Eaton. Pic: Liberal Democrats.Brian Watkins, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Eaton. Pic: Liberal Democrats. (Image: Liberal Democrats)

The bank, in Church Lane, is to close on Friday, November 9.

A sign in the window of the bank advises customers that they still have plenty of options, including online banking and Barclays mobile banking.

And they say people can still use Norwich branches in Red Lion Street, St James Court and Aylsham Road, while post offices can also be used to pay in cash and cheques, check balances and withdraw money.

In an email sent to local councillors, Barclays Bank said: 'The decision to close a branch is never an easy one; however, we are finding that customers are increasingly using other ways to do their everyday banking and our records show that 73pc of our regular customers are doing their banking online and by telephone and only 102 regular customers use this branch exclusively for their banking.

'Please be assured that we do not take the decision to close any branch lightly and we are committed to adhering to the UK Access to Banking Standard.

'We will be proactively engaging with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally, before the branch closes.'

But Liberal Democrats who represent Eaton at City and County Hall have raised concerns about the future of the site and called for Barclays to ensure there is proper provision for customers who cannot use other branches.

James Wright, Eaton city councillor and leader of the Liberal Democrat group at City Hall, said: 'This is another blow for the residents of Eaton, who are currently living with the fallout of the unwelcome transport changes.

'People are rightly concerned about future provision of banking facilities in Eaton. Whilst many counter services are already being delivered by the Post Office in the Cellar House, Eaton will lose a 24/7 cash machine in the weeks before the before the busy Christmas period.

'We are calling on Barclays to make clear it how they will address these concerns, and to be up front at an early stage about future interest in the site.'

Brian Watkins, who represents Eaton on Norfolk County Council, tweeted: 'Just heard the news about the impending closure of Barclays Eaton branch.

'After all the hassle with the current Eaton Transport Plan, it's the last thing that the village needs. Bad news indeed.'

As part of the latest Transport for Norwich project, there are currently roadworks in Eaton, while the slip road from Newmarket Road into the village is due to close for five weeks from next Wednesday.

The work will widen the cycle track from the Cellar House pub to Newmarket Road, bring in a 20mph restriction, simplify pedestrian crossings and improve the traffic signals for all road users.

Barclays Bank is closing its Swaffham branch on Friday, July 27 and announced in April that it would be closing its branch in Attleborough on August 3,