I am glad to share some good news around Barclays continued presence within Codsall and Bilbrook.
During the summer of 2022, Barclays announced their plans to close their branch in Bilbrook and move away from providing an in-person service to residents there. Following this, I began a survey campaign alongside Codsall and Bilbrook residents to demonstrate the scale of local support for the branch. Many of us shared deep concerns about the loss of face-to-face banking services for the community, especially given the effect it would have had on elderly and vulnerable people who especially value being able to speak to an advisor while manging their financial affairs. Almost 600 residents responded to the survey in the end, with over 99% stating that they wanted the Bilbrook branch to remain open and to have easy access to branch advisors.
I took these facts to a meeting with Barclays, and I am delighted to say that Barclays has listened to Codsall and Bilbrook residents and will be continuing to provide face-to-face banking services in the Codsall Community Hub. Barclays staff will be at the community hub twice a week on Tuesdays from 9am till 5pm and Thursdays from 9am till 2pm. Whilst we all hoped the branch would remain open, I am so glad that there will continue to be a vital in-person service for all Barclays customers in Codsall and Bilbrook.