Future of Langney Barclays is decided at meeting

In a meeting with the bank’s executives, Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell, Langney Councillor Alan Shuttleworth and shopping centre manager Neil Avis discussed the planned closure of the branch in Langney Shopping Centre.

Councillor Shuttleworth said, “Barclays was adamant about its decision to close this May.

“This is real blow for Langney residents and businesses. It comes despite the significant rise in the numbers of people using the shopping centre since the extension was completed as well as those planned to open soon.”

Post Office to return to Langney

Barclays outlined its plans to assist the most-affected vulnerable customers.

It agreed to further talks to keep a presence in the shopping centre through a Barclays Flex service, which would offer individual help and advice, but not the traditional counter services.

Cllr Shuttleworth said, “We have had a long battle with the Post Office since that was closed, but a new service is now set to open in the Spring.

“I am extremely disappointed we could not hold onto the bank, but that has not been possible.

“Langney residents will be relieved that at least the post office services are on their way back.”

Councillor Shuttleworth said Barclays has agreed to have further discussions with the shopping centre management about how Barclays Flex service would operate within the centre.

Langney Barclays is planned to close on May 7, and Barclays said customer use of the branch had declined.

The news was initially announced at the end of January, but a campaign was launched to try to save it.