A city bank closed its doors this afternoon and despite the rise in online banking, it was still a sad day for some living nearby, especially small business owners.

The Barclays branch in Whitefriars, alongside Norwich Puppet Theatre, had been open for more than 10 years but has shut due to a lack of in-person customers coming to visit.

Barclays claimed that only 16 customers used the branch as the only way to do their banking and that 91pc of its customers had used online and phone services in 2021.

Among those making sure to use the branch before it closed was Michael Parkerson, a regular visitor and local business owner. He said: “It affects me because I own a business and I don’t want to do online banking as there is a risk of forgery.

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"Also, if you need to speak to someone you often have to wait a long time over the phone - I’ve had to wait 45 minutes.”

Barclays has asked the city council for permission to return its part of the building to its previous state, with its ATMs removed.

Amy Cannings, 43, was also making use of the branch for the last time. She said: “My partner owns a small business, dealing with online is hard as you are on the phone for ages waiting for an answer, as opposed to the convenience of having a bank nearby.

"I think shutting banks wouldn’t be a problem if they make the services accessible.”

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The closure means the closest Barclays branch will be in Red Lion Street in the city centre.

James Sharman, 44, who is not a regular visitor added: "I mostly use online banking but it is nice and convenient to go here and pay in my cheques in person."

The closure was announced in July, as one of a number of closures nationwide that would see around 450 jobs lost.

However, it's understood that all of the staff at the Whitefriars branch have been offered new opportunities.