Banks urged to ensure access to cash as 44 per cent of branches have closed in Scarborough and Whitby since 2015

More than 40 per cent of banks in Scarborough and Whitby have closed since 2015, research has found. and local politicians have urged greater action to prevent residents from being left in “banking deserts”.

It comes as Barclays is set to close its Whitby branch on Friday (December 8), leaving just ten banks and building society branches open across Scarborough and Whitby.

Research by consumer rights company Which? found that nationally more than 5,791 bank branches have closed since January 2015.

The increasing use of online banking and contactless payments has led to concerns some will be left behind, or unable to access key services.

Local Labour and Conservative politicians have backed plans for the creation of more “banking hubs” which allow customers from different banks to access financial services in one location.

Alison Hume, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Scarborough and Whitby, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that her party’s plan to create “at least 350 banking hubs on local high streets” would mean that “people can access the services they need closer to home here in Scarborough and Whitby”.

“People shouldn’t need to travel far just to get the money they need to spend in our local communities.”

She added: “Whilst the Conservatives are overseeing the decline in local banking services and our high streets, Labour’s plans for small businesses and our pledge to bring back banking hubs will mean that we can find pride in our local high streets again.”

Roberto Weeden-Sanz, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Scarborough and Whitby, said he was “disappointed” that Whitby was losing another bank branch.

Mr Weeden-Sanz, who works as a retail banker, told the LDRS: “Retail banking is a fast-changing business, but banks must ensure access to cash, particularly for elderly or vulnerable customers and rural communities.

“Banks need to look into opening a banking hub locally in order to ensure that this access remains for our community.”

He added: “I am glad that the Government is taking action to stand up for customers by protecting access to cash in law and moving to stop dodgy practices such as de-banking clients.”