AN MP has welcomed a new in-person banking facility which stems the mass exodus of banks from a town centre.

A new Barclays community site in The Chantry Centre, Chantry Way, has opened more than three months after the firm closed its High Street branch.

Opening the store on Friday morning, Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron said: “This will particularly help the vulnerable in our community.

“I encourage residents to use this service based at the Chantry Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays to ensure its ongoing future viability – it will continue if demand is sufficient.”

Natwest closed its High Street branch earlier this year, followed by HSBC in September, with Lloyds set to follow suit next Thursday, leaving Santander – which has slashed opening hours – as the only major bank with an open branch on the High Street.

Halifax also quit the town in early 2020, meaning a total of five banks have closed down in almost three years.

The new Barclays hub will open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 5pm offering face-to-face financial support.