Mobile bank trials in town

Barclays drove their service to Chapel Street car park this week for the first session on Tuesday, with further visits planned for Thursday June 17 and Tuesday July 20.

The initiative is being hailed by Harrogate Borough Council, following consultations and work with banking providers to try to find a solution to address the banking drought.

Coun Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said: “The issues regarding banking availability in Knaresborough have been well documented, and Coun Darling, particularly, has pushed hard to seek new, flexible solutions.

“Officers have also worked very hard to seek a potential solution and this trial with Barclays is the result of a lot of work and persistence.

“I would encourage the residents of Knaresborough to embrace this lifeline and use the service as much as possible.

“Retail and banking services are going through great change, and persistent use and strong demand are critical to retain this trial.

“We are very grateful to Barclays and everybody involved in getting this to happen.”

Residents were left furious in January 2020 when the last remaining bank - Halifax - closed its doors.

The borough council said it is continuing discussion with other banking providers.

Barclays customers can drop-in or book an appointment at: https://events.uk.barclays/barclaysvan