CONOR McGinn has expressed deep concerns that a bank is to shut its branch in Earlestown later this summer.

Barclays will shut its bank on Bridge Street in August, according to the MP for St Helens North.

He said: "This is bad news for my constituents in Newton-le-Willows, whose nearest branch will now be in St Helens.

"Following the closure announcement, I met with senior management at Barclays to seek assurances about the impact of the changes and they have assured me that customers wanting to carry out every day, over the counter, transactions will be able to use the Post Office on Haydock Street, Earlestown.

"While the way that many people choose to bank is changing, it is vital those who rely on a more traditional way of banking and might not have online accounts, still have access to banking services.

"If you live in Newton-le-Willows and are concerned at how these changes might affect you, you can contact my office on conor.mcginn.mp@parliament.uk."

Lisa McCormick, community banking director for Barclays in Merseyside and South Lancashire said the decision was made due to a "falling level" of transactions.

She said: “The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices.

"At Barclays in Newton-le-Willows, our records show a low and falling level of transactions in recent years, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close it.

"We hope the availability of our nearest branch in St Helens, plus access to services at the local Post Office, along with our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers.”