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Barclays vows not to close 100 named branches for next two years

It has halted branch closures in remote areas and where it is the last bank in town

A branch of Barclays bank in Islington, north London.

Barclays has pledged not to close branches in remote areas or where it is the last bank in town for the next two years.

The bank is also launching a new cashback scheme enabling people to withdraw money at small businesses - but said that from 2020 its customers will no longer have a facility which allows them to withdraw cash over the counter at Post Offices.

The bank's new cashback scheme should make it easier for customers to withdraw money at businesses in remote towns and areas without a branch or ATM.

Barclays said the freeze on remote and 'last bank in town' closures will see more than 100 branches ring-fenced so that they remain until at least October 2021.

It is also exploring ways to boost demand in branches generally, starting initially with pilots in 12 areas.

Barclays said it remains "committed to the Post Office framework" and customers and businesses will still be able to pay in cash, cheques and check their balance - but the facility for over-the-counter cash withdrawals will end from January 2020.

Cash withdrawal by cheque will still be available, subject to arrangement.

It is writing to affected customers about the changes.