The bank said the branches, which are in remote areas, or are the ‘last bank in town’, will remain open until at least October 2021.

Barclays is also introducing a cashback scheme enabling customers to withdraw cash at businesses in remote towns and areas where there is no branch or ATM alternative within 1km. The scheme will launch in over 200 locations from January 2020

In areas where the bank is no longer able to maintain a physical presence, Barclays is to set up banking pods, providing face-to-face financial support, in 300 locations by the end of 2021.

The bank said it is focusing on investment in free-to-use ATMs and cash back at businesses, while “reducing reliance on the Post Office”.

It said it remained “committed to the Post Office Framework” and customers 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.

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

Adam Rowse, managing director of branch-based banking at Barclays, said: “We are constantly exploring new ways to evolve the role of the branch.

“By maintaining last in town or remote branches over the next two years, and working with the community, we hope to increase demand and keep these branches viable.

“We also recognise that there are opportunities to support customers with access to cash where there is no branch or ATM nearby.

“We are launching a cash back offering working with merchants to give customers access to cash over the counter. By behaving differently, we hope to see a real difference in how customers interact with us.”

The bank is also trialling how it can work with customers and communities, including MPs and local councillors, to see if customer demand can be increased and help make branches more viable in the longer term.

The 12 trial locations include Pickering and Yarm in Yorkshire, Wombourne, Staffordshire and Risca, Wales, with further locations to be announced. Part of the trial will include flexible opening hours and making technology available to extend services such as video banking.

The 105 branches staying open until October 2021

‘Last in town’ branches

Alderley Edge, Bargoed, Barnard Castle, Barnoldswick, Bedale, Bentham, Biggin Hill, Bilbrook, Builth Wells, Burnham-on-Crouch, Cadishead, Carnforth, Chalfont St. Peter, Cockermouth, Cuffley, Drayton Norwich, Dunmow, Esher, Flitwick, Framlingham, Guiseley, Haltwhistle, Harleston, Haxby, Hemsworth, Heywood (Church St), Histon, Holmes Chapel, Hoyland Nether, Keswick, Kidsgrove, Kirkby Stephen, Knowle, Leiston, Leyburn, Llandeilo, Llangollen, Manningtree, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Oundle, Pickering, Radlett, Risca, Saltburn by the Sea, Seahouses, Shenfield, South Woodham Ferrers, Southwick, Southwold, St Ives, Stanhope, Tredegar, Treorchy, Wadebridge, Watton, West Mersea, Whickham, Woburn Sands, Wombourne, Wroxham, Yarm, Ystrad Mynach.

Remote branches

Bideford, Brecon, Brigg, Caernarfon, Camborne, Chipping Norton, Cranleigh, Daventry, Deal, Devizes, Driffield, Easingwold, Falmouth, Gainsborough, Heathfield, Helmsley, Helston, Horncastle, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lampeter, Launceston, Leek, Malton, Market Drayton, Mildenhall, Monmouth, Pocklington, Porthmadog, Prudhoe, Pwllheli, Richmond North Yorks, Settle, Shaftesbury, Sheerness, Sleaford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Tenby, Thirsk, Towcester, Ulverston, Welshpool, Whitby, Workington.