Barclays has announced that its Cowbridge branch will close permanently at noon on 20 August.

Some customers have expressed their frustration at the decision.

Why is the bank closing its doors?

What do Barclays say?

In their 'branch closure feedback' leaflet, Barclays offer the following explanation:

• The number of counter transactions has gone down in the previous 24 months, and additionally 86% of our branch customers also use other ways to do their banking such as online and by telephone
• Customers using other ways to do their banking has increased by 17% since 2015
• In the past 12 months, 23% of this branch's customers have been using nearby branches
• We've identified that only 42 customers use this branch exclusively for their banking

What about their customers?

For many of these 42 customers, the closure comes as a major inconvenience.

One social media, one resident said:

"What a shame. It is always so busy. My parents use this bank. They don't do online banking. It's crazy."

"I use that for my banking, personal and business. Where are we supposed to go now? I always enjoy going in and having a chat with the lovely ladies in there," said another.