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Archive => Archived Boards => Local Issues => Topic started by: Steve Gribbon on May 21, 2021, 12:43:35 PM

Title: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Steve Gribbon on May 21, 2021, 12:43:35 PM
Good afternoon.

Becky, Malcolm and I have this morning received the very disappointing news that Barclays is to shut its Marple branch on Friday 20th August. We as your Councillors are totally opposed to any business premises closing which will reduce services for residents. I have spoken to the Barclays management contact asking for a meeting at their earliest convenience which has been agreed.
We will be doing all we can to change the thinking of Barclays management team and will keep people updated with any further information we receive.

Kind regards

Steve
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: admin on May 21, 2021, 12:52:34 PM
That is very bad news indeed if it happens Steve, I hope you can get them to change their minds.

Friends of Marple Memorial Park have only moved to them in the last couple of years after the RBS closed and we are running out of options to bank locally.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on May 21, 2021, 01:07:42 PM
I have banked with Barclays since 1976 (not always at Marple). I'll have to reconsider now. I've no intention of saying what my balance is, but I don't think they would be happy about losing it.

Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: amazon on May 21, 2021, 01:14:21 PM
I have banked with Barclays since 1976 (not always at Marple). I'll have to reconsider now. I've no intention of saying what my balance is, but I don't think they would be happy about losing it.
This is Crazy the people that use that Branch including me Come on people Complain The cash machine at natwest is no longer working either is that going as well .
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on May 21, 2021, 01:18:40 PM
The Marple branch has always suffered from not being open on Saturday (my previous branch was). Perhaps they should consider opening when people can most easily get there instead of closing.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on May 21, 2021, 01:31:06 PM
The vast majority never go to a bank branch nowadays.  There are very few if any services a branch provides that we can't access in an easier way. To the majority of people in Marple the Barclay unit might as well already be an empty unit as they don't go into it, let's hope something more useful goes there. It must be over 10 years since I went into a bank and I'm clearly not unique in that, that's why so many branches are closing.  Local traders I expect might find life a bit more difficult but for the rest of us it's an opportunity to have the unit put to better use.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: admin on May 21, 2021, 01:34:36 PM
The vast majority never go to a bank branch nowadays.  There are very few if any services a branch provides that we can't access in an easier way. To the majority of people in Marple the Barclay unit might as well already be an empty unit as they don't go into it, let's hope something more useful goes there. It must be over 10 years since I went into a bank and I'm clearly not unique in that, that's why so many branches are closing.  Local traders I expect might find life a bit more difficult but for the rest of us it's an opportunity to have the unit put to better use.

Well I was last in there on 11 May, and before that 10 May, and if it closes will have to move Friends of the Park somewhere else (again). So personally will be very unhappy with Barclays.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: amazon on May 21, 2021, 01:41:42 PM
The vast majority never go to a bank branch nowadays.  There are very few if any services a branch provides that we can't access in an easier way. To the majority of people in Marple the Barclay unit might as well already be an empty unit as they don't go into it, let's hope something more useful goes there. It must be over 10 years since I went into a bank and I'm clearly not unique in that, that's why so many branches are closing.  Local traders I expect might find life a bit more difficult but for the rest of us it's an opportunity to have the unit put to better use.
Another takeaway or brew house most likely .
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on May 21, 2021, 01:54:21 PM
Amazon if it were either of those went into that unit and they were successful that would be because local people wanted that business there and we're using it instead of a bank which only a tiny handful would ever consider going into. It's closing because it's not profitable it's as simple as that and as we as a society have set our face against using banks it will go. Save the campaigning energy for things people care about.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: amazon on May 21, 2021, 02:04:29 PM
Amazon if it were either of those went into that unit and they were successful that would be because local people wanted that business there and we're using it instead of a bank which only a tiny handful would ever consider going into. It's closing because it's not profitable it's as simple as that and as we as a society have set our face against using banks it will go. Save the campaigning energy for things people care about.
Maybe you dont want to use a bank and bank on the internet but there are people that dont have acces to the internet that need a Bank .Stop thinking of you .
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on May 21, 2021, 02:28:46 PM
Maybe you dont want to use a bank and bank on the internet but there are people that dont have acces to the internet that need a Bank .Stop thinking of you .

Amazon you are wrong I'm not saying I don't want to use banks I'm saying society in general no longer use banks. Just like we no longer use video rental shops, or tv rental shops or have Gas Showrooms. Things change let's welcome change.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on May 21, 2021, 03:04:06 PM
The vast majority never go to a bank branch nowadays.  There are very few if any services a branch provides that we can't access in an easier way. To the majority of people in Marple the Barclay unit might as well already be an empty unit as they don't go into it, let's hope something more useful goes there. It must be over 10 years since I went into a bank and I'm clearly not unique in that, that's why so many branches are closing.  Local traders I expect might find life a bit more difficult but for the rest of us it's an opportunity to have the unit put to better use.

For everyday banking, most people don't use the branch, but when you need something out of the ordinary, the branch is essential. Not having a branch means a bank is useless. It also means a great many people will leave and go somewhere that actually serves its customers, so it's not even saving them money; it's losing it.


Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: sgk on May 21, 2021, 07:27:49 PM
Link to the Barclays doc giving details+statistics on why they're closing Marple branch : https://home.barclays/content/dam/home-barclays/documents/citizenship/Reports-Publications/branch-closures/Reasons-For-Closure-Marple.pdf
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: marpleexile on May 23, 2021, 06:52:35 AM
It also means a great many people will leave and go somewhere that actually serves its customers, so it's not even saving them money; it's losing it.

I'd be willing to bet my mortgage that even if every customer who currently uses the Marple branch moved to a competitor, they'd still be saving a lot of money by closing it.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Steve Gribbon on May 23, 2021, 09:08:37 AM
That is very bad news indeed if it happens Steve, I hope you can get them to change their minds.

Friends of Marple Memorial Park have only moved to them in the last couple of years after the RBS closed and we are running out of options to bank locally.

Good morning. I have set up a petition for those who wish to oppose the proposed closure. It is on the website www.petitions.net under the heading Marple ‘Barclays Bank Marple Branch Closure’. (Admin if you could help with a link please, thanks if you can). Please feel free to sign and share. I will also be having a street stand for people who wish to sign a paper copy and will post a date for this ASAP.

Kind regards

Steve
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on May 23, 2021, 09:12:13 AM
I'd be willing to bet my mortgage that even if every customer who currently uses the Marple branch moved to a competitor, they'd still be saving a lot of money by closing it.

Correct Marpleexile there is absolutely no profit in retail banking and hasn't been for many years. For the very very few occasions people need a branch people are willing to travel.  As a society we had too many pubs and too many banks all we are seeing is an adjustment to take account of people's changing needs.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on May 23, 2021, 09:30:32 AM
Good morning. I have set up a petition for those who wish to oppose the proposed closure. It is on the website www.petitions.net under the heading Marple ‘Barclays Bank Marple Branch Closure’. (Admin if you could help with a link please, thanks if you can). Please feel free to sign and share. I will also be having a street stand for people who wish to sign a paper copy and will post a date for this ASAP.

Kind regards

Steve

So have I got this right Steve, you want a building which to 95% of the town might as well be an empty unused unit to stay like that as people clearly don't in any meaningful numbers use the bank rather than have the potential of new business in there which might be more relevant to local people.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Steve Gribbon on May 23, 2021, 09:55:23 AM
So have I got this right Steve, you want a building which to 95% of the town might as well be an empty unused unit to stay like that as people clearly don't in any meaningful numbers use the bank rather than have the potential of new business in there which might be more relevant to local people.

No wheels, that’s not quite right. I want residents to have the opportunity to oppose the closure of something and that is why I have created a petition. If a premises announces a closure the least I can do is allow residents the opportunity to put their views forward. Rather like you have done here. It may well be that people are fine with its closure but so far that doesn’t seem the case. As a resident I don’t like the thought of another facility being lost so I believe it is worth talking to Barclays about this which Barclays have agreed to.

Steve
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: admin on May 23, 2021, 10:09:01 AM
(Admin if you could help with a link please, thanks if you can).

The direct link to @Steve Gribbon's petition is: https://www.petitions.net/barclays_bank_marple_branch_closure (https://www.petitions.net/barclays_bank_marple_branch_closure)
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Steve Gribbon on May 23, 2021, 10:09:53 AM
The direct link to @Steve Gribbon's petition is: https://www.petitions.net/barclays_bank_marple_branch_closure (https://www.petitions.net/barclays_bank_marple_branch_closure)

Thanks Mark

Steve
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: ROTHERS on May 24, 2021, 12:50:31 PM
"Not having a branch means a bank is useless" - hmm, First Direct do not have a branch, i have been with them for 2 years, excellent phone service and you can put cheques in via the App. I applied for a saving account online (took me 30minutes in branch at Nationwide a couple of years ago).
The traditional banks do not care if you leave, i left Lloyds after almost 30 years, not a single acknowledgment.
I place Banks in the same slot as Estate Agents and Travel agents having a branch, there is no business benefit whatsoever.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: marpleexile on May 24, 2021, 01:47:18 PM
No wheels, that’s not quite right. I want residents to have the opportunity to oppose the closure of something and that is why I have created a petition. If a premises announces a closure the least I can do is allow residents the opportunity to put their views forward. Rather like you have done here. It may well be that people are fine with its closure but so far that doesn’t seem the case. As a resident I don’t like the thought of another facility being lost so I believe it is worth talking to Barclays about this which Barclays have agreed to.

Steve

Barclays is but one of what, 5/7 (?) major highstreet banks.

Barclays own figures show it's just not sensible to have high street branches dedicated to one bank. If only there was somewhere that could theoretically handle banking business for multiple banks.......

Personally I think we'd all be better served if any campaigning effort went into expanding the banking services that the post office counters currently offer to Bank customers rather than flogging the dead horse that is high street banking.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on May 25, 2021, 03:13:28 PM
"Not having a branch means a bank is useless" - hmm, First Direct do not have a branch, i have been with them for 2 years, excellent phone service and you can put cheques in via the App. I applied for a saving account online (took me 30minutes in branch at Nationwide a couple of years ago).
The traditional banks do not care if you leave, i left Lloyds after almost 30 years, not a single acknowledgment.
I place Banks in the same slot as Estate Agents and Travel agents having a branch, there is no business benefit whatsoever.

Personally, I like a large number of people, would not consider using an Estate Agent, or a Travel agent who did not have a physical branch. There is absolutely no substitute for face to face communication. I have no objection to other means of contact; I'm an IT professional after all, but these are supplements and not replacements for reality.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: andrewbowden on May 25, 2021, 03:32:03 PM
Personally, I like a large number of people, would not consider using an Estate Agent, or a Travel agent who did not have a physical branch. There is absolutely no substitute for face to face communication. I have no objection to other means of contact; I'm an IT professional after all, but these are supplements and not replacements for reality.

Couple of years ago a survey suggested 73% of people booked their last holiday online.
https://www.traveldailymedia.com/kayak-travel-agents-research/

I'm in my 40s.  The only time I've been in a travel agents as an adult was to get some foreign exchange.  I've never booked a holiday in a branch of a high street travel agent.  Nowadays it would never really occur to me to do so.  And that's because when I first started booking holidays as an adult, travel agents didn't really offer the kind of holiday I wanted.  It was easier to book direct.  That was in the early days of Expedia, before TripAdvisor.   Now I'd be even less likely to think Travel Agent.


As for estate agents, we bought our current house in 2016.  Compared to when we'd last bought (2004) when there was a huge amount of visiting branches, almost everything was done by email or phone rather than in the branch.  I think we popped in the agents office to pick up the keys and that was about it.  No one took us in a car anywhere - we met at the properties.  Most research was done online, and generally we emailed because we were living outside the area.  A branch is rather irrelevant when you're some miles away. I don't imagine estate agents will disappear from the high street any time soon - they will want local bases. But I didn't feel like the branch was in anyway essential to buying our house.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: ROTHERS on May 25, 2021, 04:16:06 PM
Couple of years ago a survey suggested 73% of people booked their last holiday online.
https://www.traveldailymedia.com/kayak-travel-agents-research/

I'm in my 40s.  The only time I've been in a travel agents as an adult was to get some foreign exchange.  I've never booked a holiday in a branch of a high street travel agent.  Nowadays it would never really occur to me to do so.  And that's because when I first started booking holidays as an adult, travel agents didn't really offer the kind of holiday I wanted.  It was easier to book direct.  That was in the early days of Expedia, before TripAdvisor.   Now I'd be even less likely to think Travel Agent.


As for estate agents, we bought our current house in 2016.  Compared to when we'd last bought (2004) when there was a huge amount of visiting branches, almost everything was done by email or phone rather than in the branch.  I think we popped in the agents office to pick up the keys and that was about it.  No one took us in a car anywhere - we met at the properties.  Most research was done online, and generally we emailed because we were living outside the area.  A branch is rather irrelevant when you're some miles away. I don't imagine estate agents will disappear from the high street any time soon - they will want local bases. But I didn't feel like the branch was in anyway essential to buying our house.

Same here regarding the Travel agent, been booking my own stuff for 20 years and i would never consider going in one to book.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on May 25, 2021, 08:35:07 PM
Personally, I like a large number of people, would not consider using an Estate Agent, or a Travel agent who did not have a physical branch. There is absolutely no substitute for face to face communication. I have no objection to other means of contact; I'm an IT professional after all, but these are supplements and not replacements for reality.

I don't think a Travel or Estate agent is at all the same as a bank. Most people use a retail bank for simple fairly low level transactions,  paying cheques or cash in ect. These are not transactions of the same magnitude as buying a house or a holiday to say New Zealand. Most people now are more than happy to accept bank transfers or pay any cheques in via their smartphone.   In fact I can't imagine what  services of significance a small local bank could offer.  I suspect most people are no longer happy at handing over bits of paper with their account details and signiture on in any event and that the days of the cheque and probably cash is numbered,  limiting even more the value of littering our high street with these largely unused business.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on May 25, 2021, 08:45:18 PM
Same here regarding the Travel agent, been booking my own stuff for 20 years and i would never consider going in one to book.

I think I depends what you are doing I recently, well sort of recently, went back to New Zealand I wanted to do that by train from Stockport to Istanbul stoping for a few days in various cities.  Then I the wanted to fly to Singapore have a few days there. Then fly to Sydney  two weeks there. Then on to Christchurch.  Have a car waiting for me  for seven weeks then have several trips booked for me whilst there. I much prefer a travel agent to do all that and book my hotels. However if I want a week in Gran Canaria or four days in say Berlin  I'll do that myself on line.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Melancholyflower on May 25, 2021, 11:09:53 PM
Barclays is but one of what, 5/7 (?) major highstreet banks.

Barclays own figures show it's just not sensible to have high street branches dedicated to one bank. If only there was somewhere that could theoretically handle banking business for multiple banks.......

Personally I think we'd all be better served if any campaigning effort went into expanding the banking services that the post office counters currently offer to Bank customers rather than flogging the dead horse that is high street banking.

It all depends on what you mean by a high street bank. If you mean a cash machine, basic cashier service, and the poor staff on commission to sell you all their non-lending products like insurance, then yes, they are a dead horse. On the other hand if you have dedicated lending advisers who actually have the power to make lending decisions, know their customers and  know their locality, then they are boon for the community.  Check out the Bank of Dave for an alternative view.

Business banking is also often overlooked in these debates. Especially those with high turnover of cash where a local branch is highly beneficial. Try to set up a business account remotely and you'll see what I mean.

In my view the centralising of lending at individual and business level which began around 20-30 years ago has been a sad development which inevitably led to this point. I don't think things are better as a result.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: ROTHERS on May 26, 2021, 07:22:45 AM
I think I depends what you are doing I recently, well sort of recently, went back to New Zealand I wanted to do that by train from Stockport to Istanbul stoping for a few days in various cities.  Then I the wanted to fly to Singapore have a few days there. Then fly to Sydney  two weeks there. Then on to Christchurch.  Have a car waiting for me  for seven weeks then have several trips booked for me whilst there. I much prefer a travel agent to do all that and book my hotels. However if I want a week in Gran Canaria or four days in say Berlin  I'll do that myself on line.
that trip sounds amazing. I did a 3 location trip to Florida in 2019, pick up at the airport in FL, hotel for 2 days including theme park tickets, a gig to see Adam Ant (dont ask), then car hire, house rental on the east coast, house rental on the west coast, several trips, flights including upgrades using airmiles, all booked myself. I do it myself as i enjoy doing it. I have only used a travel company once (via phone as they were based in Belfast) on a trip to Kenya/Seychelles, i only did that as Nairobi is not the most secure of places.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: admin on May 27, 2021, 08:20:58 AM
Wonderful trips, but getting back on topic.........

MP William Wragg has also set-up a petition to keep the bank open:

https://www.williamwragg.org.uk/campaigns/sign-williams-petition-save-last-bank-marple
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: jimblob on May 27, 2021, 08:41:25 AM
I think marple needs to move with the times. Barclays decision is purely financial, they're accountable to their shareholders and they're a financial institution! Why on earth would they reverse their decision?
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Digster on May 27, 2021, 11:02:02 AM
I think marple needs to move with the times. Barclays decision is purely financial, they're accountable to their shareholders and they're a financial institution! Why on earth would they reverse their decision?

I have to agree with Jimblob on this one.  Whilst it would be a shame for them to go, they are a business and looking at their original figures I can see their logic in shutting.  I know there are people who say that they/businesses use it but there just isn't enough of those to keep it open.  No business wants to stay open at a loss.   
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: andy+kirsty on May 28, 2021, 11:17:01 AM
We move to Nationwide about 5 years ago as they had a branch in Marple. (They still do BTW)

Since moving over we've been to the branch once or twice, their online and mobile service is so good there genuinely isn't a need to bother them in branch. We've even re-mortgaged online / via video.

It does make you wonder whether there should be a minimum level of service for banks for those who still need to pay in cash and can't use the internet and that the market shouldn't be able to dictate to this extent. There is a big difference between an SME closing one of a few branches and a multinational that made £2.4bn pre-tax last year. Barclay's could stand that loss if they wanted to provide the service to customers.


A
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: mikes on May 31, 2021, 04:48:00 PM
Why can't all the banks share a single premise, that way everyone can have branch banking, just not everyday.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Howard on May 31, 2021, 06:55:17 PM
Why can't all the banks share a single premise, that way everyone can have branch banking, just not everyday.

Several reasons of the top of my head:
1) Because none of the big banks want branches any more, and if they do, they'd be in the centres of big cities and towns where they can get a lot of footfall. Marple is tiny by comparison. All the "new" banks (Mondo etc) are Internet only and have no branches at all. If you recall, First Direct did this YEARS ago as an experiment on behalf of Midland Bank (remember them?) as a telephone bank only.

2) The IT support would be unbelievably complex. Banking systems have significant requirements in terms of security, network separation, networking standards etc. The networking closet(s) would be huge and very expensive to support. The difficulty of getting the big banks to agree to this, whilst not insurmountable, would be considerable and probably not worth the ROI (to them).

3) There are alternatives to most common banking procedures, which is using a Post Office. I'd expect these services to be improved and streamlined over the next few years to accommodate corner-cases which aren't currently covered.

As an aside, I have been a NatWest customer for years, I was disappointed when it closed but I only ever went for two reasons...firstly to pay in dividend cheques in USD for which there is a £5 charge and  I wait until I have enough of them to make it worthwhile. Now I just post them to a central processing centre. Secondly to use their EXCELLENT change sorters which sort all the change, give you a chit which then pays the amount straight to my account. But I cant' remember the last time I actually used cash. I think I still have a pot on the sideboard containing our team's winnings from the last Marple Sports Club quiz (March 2020!). When they open again, we'll use it to pay for drinks until we win again.

Like it or not, branch banking is more or less dead along with many other high street branches. I remember BT shops, Norweb branches etc, all of which were killed off by remote banking (direct debit etc).
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on May 31, 2021, 09:14:59 PM
Sounds like it is back to sticking money in a sack under the bed. If banks won't do their job, which is serving customers face to face then what's the point of them? Unfortunately, wages and pensions seem to insist on people having a bank account.

Perhaps some alternative will come along and fill the gap left by the banks' abdication from their duties.

Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Howard on June 01, 2021, 12:46:29 PM
Sounds like it is back to sticking money in a sack under the bed. If banks won't do their job, which is serving customers face to face then what's the point of them? Unfortunately, wages and pensions seem to insist on people having a bank account.

Perhaps some alternative will come along and fill the gap left by the banks' abdication from their duties.

Can you show where the law says that a bank has a mandatory requirement to serve customers face to face? Banks are commercial entities and will do what's best for their shareholders, not for their customers. If the public needs a face to face banking service then a company will set one up and try to make money from it (hint...this won't happen, because there is no money at all in face to face banking) or an alternative needs to be found, which is what's already happened with the Post Office providing many banking services on behalf of the retail banks.

Alternatively move to a Building Society which is owned by its members, which is what it seems many people in Marple have done with Nationwide.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: ROTHERS on June 01, 2021, 01:14:33 PM
and Nationwide are serving their customers well by no longer opening on a Saturday and early closing times.
Wont be long before that branch is closed.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: andrewbowden on June 01, 2021, 02:16:15 PM
and Nationwide are serving their customers well by no longer opening on a Saturday and early closing times.
Wont be long before that branch is closed.

Nationwide have a Branch Promise where they're committing to not removing a branch from any town until at least January 2023 - already extended once from May 2021
https://www.nationwide.co.uk/about/why-choose-nationwide/branch-promise

So we'll have a branch for another 18 months at least.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: amazon on June 01, 2021, 04:55:28 PM
Nationwide have a Branch Promise where they're committing to not removing a branch from any town until at least January 2023 - already extended once from May 2021
https://www.nationwide.co.uk/about/why-choose-nationwide/branch-promise

So we'll have a branch for another 18 months at least.
But is that long enough 18 months is not long they need to commit longer .
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on June 02, 2021, 07:51:36 AM
Without this becoming a circular argument, you have three choices in the long term if you want to bank in person.

1. The Vernon
2. The post office
3. Set up your own bank or encourage one to open in Marple.

Of the three the Vernon would be the least likely to close a branch, but I suspect all banks are slowly moving away from direct customer contact as the post office does 90% of the cash handling for free.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Steve Gribbon on June 07, 2021, 10:01:05 AM
The direct link to @Steve Gribbon's petition is: https://www.petitions.net/barclays_bank_marple_branch_closure (https://www.petitions.net/barclays_bank_marple_branch_closure)

Good morning. This is a reminder for those who would like involvement to sign the closure petition. I am waiting for a date from Barclays for a meeting regarding this, it should be next week. I have seen that William Wragg has now started a similar petition, for the greater good of our community I have contacted William and offered to work together on this.
Thank you.
Kind regards
Steve
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: amazon on June 07, 2021, 11:47:19 AM
Good morning. This is a reminder for those who would like involvement to sign the closure petition. I am waiting for a date from Barclays for a meeting regarding this, it should be next week. I have seen that William Wragg has now started a similar petition, for the greater good of our community I have contacted William and offered to work together on this.
Thank you.
Kind regards   
Steve
Thanks steve
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: admin on August 20, 2021, 11:55:36 AM
Good morning. This is a reminder for those who would like involvement to sign the closure petition. I am waiting for a date from Barclays for a meeting regarding this, it should be next week. I have seen that William Wragg has now started a similar petition, for the greater good of our community I have contacted William and offered to work together on this.
Thank you.
Kind regards
Steve

I  don't know how your respective meetings went @Steve Gribbon and @William Wragg MP but the Marple Barclays Branch closes today.

However, I have received the following helpful press-release from The National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP):

Contact: Ruth Buckley-Salmon Date: 20 August 2021
Phone: 07766 524956 Email: ruth.buckley-salmon@nfsp.org.uk

Closure of local bank branch: Barclays bank, Marple branch

On 20 August 2021, Barclays bank, Marple branch, 10 The Hollins, Stockport Road, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 6AZ is due to close. This will doubtless be disappointing to Barclays customers in Marple. However, alternative banking provision is available to local residents at post office branches nearby.

The nearest post offices to the closing Barclays bank, Marple branch are:

1. Marple PO
Unit 2 The Ridgedale Centre
Hollins Lane
Marple
Stockport
SK6 6AW

2. Marple Bridge PO
14-16 Town Street
Marple Bridge
Stockport
SK6 5AA

3. Compstall PO
229 Market Place
Compstall
Stockport
SK6 5HZ

Each of these branches offers banking services - including deposits, free cash withdrawals and balance checks, as well as offering face-to-face access to government services, bill payment, foreign currency, travel insurance and, of course, postal services. There are currently 2,000 free-to-use ATMs installed across the UK post office network also.

Post offices are proving vital to retaining people’s and business’s access to cash as the banks continue to desert the high street in order to cut costs and increase their profits.

Every post office plays a vital role within the heart of the local community. Post offices provide a reliable and essential service which has continued at a high standard across the whole of the UK throughout the pandemic.

For further information, please contact Ruth Buckley-Salmon on 07766 524956 or via email at ruth.buckley-salmon@nfsp.org.uk

Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 20, 2021, 01:11:02 PM
I think we can safely assume nothing positive came from those discussion.

I do have to wonder how the post office functions with the increase in cash and customers.

Do they receive a fee for the handling or is it just subsidised by the mail delivery side of the post office?.

I guess if that's true, atleast all the junk mail I throw away does atleast create some benefit.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: andrewbowden on August 20, 2021, 01:49:20 PM
Only £33k a year if you'd like to rent a former bank branch.
https://mbre.space/property/10-the-hollins-marple/
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 20, 2021, 01:56:44 PM
Well that's going to require a fair old turnover just to cover the rent never mind other expenses.

Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 20, 2021, 02:25:53 PM
Brings new meaning to your very own safe..space
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: jimblob on August 20, 2021, 02:28:03 PM
I think we can safely assume nothing positive came from those discussion.
Petitions, consultations, surgeries, it's all talk but nothing seems to make any difference.
In the the case of a high street bank then they're answerable to their shareholders so the decision is ultimately financial but when it comes to consultations on local matters, the council should be answerable to their electorate. Sadly, it seems they're not and they'll just do what they fancy regardless.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 20, 2021, 02:32:50 PM
I would love to disagree, but I can't.

If they can't, won't do something just don't have the gall to take my money and waste it.

The phrase don't pee in my pocket and tell me it's raining comes to mind.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: amazon on August 20, 2021, 04:13:56 PM
Petitions, consultations, surgeries, it's all talk but nothing seems to make any difference.
In the the case of a high street bank then they're answerable to their shareholders so the decision is ultimately financial but when it comes to consultations on local matters, the council should be answerable to their electorate. Sadly, it seems they're not and they'll just do what they fancy regardless.
I agree with you again on this .
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on August 20, 2021, 04:44:13 PM
Of course the main reasons for going to a branch is when you are dealing with a mortgage, or a loan or have some query about your account. The post office is no use for any of these. It has to be said that when I had a mortgage through Barclays, we had to go the Stockport branch anyway, so even when the Marple branch was open, it was inadequate and didn't really do its job.  The lack of a proper local branch has always been annoying. My previous Barclays branch was bigger, opened on Saturdays and had more facilities available, despite the population of the town being less than Marple.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 20, 2021, 05:08:36 PM
Mortgages, loans overseas payments etc most people do on line nowadays and would never dream of going to a bank branch for. In fact I can't think of a single reason to go to a bank branch and I'm in the demographic as an old wrinklie that we are continually being told need bank branches. In fact I can't remember the last time I went into a bank branch but its certainly more than 15 years ago. You can't keep a bank open for an ever diminishing number of people. Bank branches are going the same way as video rental stores for the same reason, technology has moved on.

We should see the closure of the bank as an opportunity for an underused retail unit to be used in a better way and for many many more people to use whatever business goes in there than ever would use it as a bank.

Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: amazon on August 20, 2021, 05:12:23 PM
Only £33k a year if you'd like to rent a former bank branch.
https://mbre.space/property/10-the-hollins-marple/
   Not big enough for peruga who are now at mellar golfclub any one been there yet .
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 20, 2021, 05:20:23 PM
Petitions, consultations, surgeries, it's all talk but nothing seems to make any difference.
In the the case of a high street bank then they're answerable to their shareholders so the decision is ultimately financial but when it comes to consultations on local matters, the council should be answerable to their electorate. Sadly, it seems they're not and they'll just do what they fancy regardless.

I don't think decisions should be made on the basis a few keyboard warriors organising petitions and filling in consultation forms and imposing their will on the rest of the community and then if the decision doesn't go their way continually moaning about the process and seeking to undermine the decision. A council is answerable to its electorate at regular elections which we all have the right to take part in either as candidate or voters. That is your opportunity to hold those who have made decisions you don't like to account, accountability is not available to you on an almost weekly basis. If my views on a particular issue are ignored I understand that is part of the decision making process, I don't moan about it continually I wait until the correct time (First Thursday in May) and cast my vote accordingly
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on August 20, 2021, 05:30:09 PM
Mortgages, loans overseas payments etc most people do on line nowadays and would never dream of going to a bank branch for. In fact I can't think of a single reason to go to a bank branch and I'm in the demographic as an old wrinklie that we are continually being told need bank branches. In fact I can't remember the last time I went into a bank branch but its certainly more than 15 years ago. You can't keep a bank open for an ever diminishing number of people. Bank branches are going the same way as video rental stores for the same reason, technology has moved on.

We should see the closure of the bank as an opportunity for an underused retail unit to be used in a better way and for many many more people to use whatever business goes in there than ever would use it as a bank.

It was not possible to get a mortgage except in person. You can only get one online in simple cases. For many, many people it simply isn't possible. In my case it was because the house had underpinning, but there are many, ,many other reasons.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 20, 2021, 05:44:02 PM
Petitions, consultations, surgeries, it's all talk but nothing seems to make any difference.
In the the case of a high street bank then they're answerable to their shareholders so the decision is ultimately financial but when it comes to consultations on local matters, the council should be answerable to their electorate. Sadly, it seems they're not and they'll just do what they fancy regardless.

If I could just continue #jimblob I don't altogether blame the public for taking this view. Too often politicians of all all parties start petitions, run surveys, call for the council to undertake a consultation exercise and in so do they lead people to believe that they can affect the decision and usually they can't. Often it's just a campaigning tool or even just a simple information gathering exercise. There is nothing whatsoever wrong with that but people should be aware that's usually what it is. The answer really is for more people to get involved in the democratic process, join the party they support, work for that party, have a say in the selection of candidates and seek to influence the outcome of the election. It has always been a concern that the number of people involved in the democratic process in the UK is so so small compared to other democracies and the memberships of of political parties is is tiny.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 20, 2021, 05:58:32 PM
It was not possible to get a mortgage except in person. You can only get one online in simple cases. For many, many people it simply isn't possible. In my case it was because the house had underpinning, but there are many, ,many other reasons.

You don't keep a bank branch open with a full range of services just for a tiny tiny number of people who might have need of it each year. Goodness it would be cheaper and easier for the bank to visit you in your own home sending the correct staff along. Nor do you keep a local branch open which only provides basic services. Increasing people won't accept cash or are not willing to pay in cash I have not used an ATM since March of last year. I expect that will be the next petition forced on people "Save the ATM" we know nobody any longer uses them but lets save them. Very few people use cheques any more and if you do get one they are easily paid in using your phone. The bank branch is a thing of the past.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 20, 2021, 06:02:42 PM
Whilst I would love your optimism of local politics, I feel it's more akin to southpark giant douche.

Maybe I'm showing my youth with that particular reference.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 20, 2021, 06:26:52 PM
Whilst I would love your optimism of local politics,

Well we all have to know ourselves and know whether we are a half full or a half empty person. Looks like you're a half empty.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 20, 2021, 06:34:42 PM
I'm a realist, the glass is half empty and the bottom of the glass is missing.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on August 20, 2021, 07:11:04 PM
I don't think decisions should be made on the basis a few keyboard warriors organising petitions and filling in consultation forms and imposing their will on the rest of the community and then if the decision doesn't go their way continually moaning about the process and seeking to undermine the decision. A council is answerable to its electorate at regular elections which we all have the right to take part in either as candidate or voters. That is your opportunity to hold those who have made decisions you don't like to account, accountability is not available to you on an almost weekly basis. If my views on a particular issue are ignored I understand that is part of the decision making process, I don't moan about it continually I wait until the correct time (First Thursday in May) and cast my vote accordingly

I understand that point of view, but why bother holding consultations if the results are entirely irrelevant?

Also worth pointing out that our councillors are elected by a small number of people sufficiently interested in local politics to vote. Probably the same people who take part in consultations.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on August 20, 2021, 07:14:37 PM
You don't keep a bank branch open with a full range of services just for a tiny tiny number of people who might have need of it each year. Goodness it would be cheaper and easier for the bank to visit you in your own home sending the correct staff along. Nor do you keep a local branch open which only provides basic services. Increasing people won't accept cash or are not willing to pay in cash I have not used an ATM since March of last year. I expect that will be the next petition forced on people "Save the ATM" we know nobody any longer uses them but lets save them. Very few people use cheques any more and if you do get one they are easily paid in using your phone. The bank branch is a thing of the past.

I use ATMs very frequently as do a great many people. Cash is still the way a lot of places prefer as payment and long may that continue. I use contactless payment when necessary, but I would prefer it if all payments under £50.00 had to be made in cash, or cost more if cash isn't used. That's the way forward I think. Greatly increase the benefit of paying in cash.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 20, 2021, 07:29:20 PM
I understand that point of view, but why bother holding consultations if the results are entirely irrelevant?

Also worth pointing out that our councillors are elected by a small number of people sufficiently interested in local politics to vote. Probably the same people who take part in consultations.

Not all consultations are irrelevant they are however in my view better used for smaller issue such asking a streets residents if residents only parking should be introduced. My experience is people usual say no btw.

I don't think we can blame our councillors for poor turn out in local elections nor even any of the local parties nationwide as they try very hard to engage. Rather I think the problem is we don't teach civics in this country, and I don't mean politics before the usual people shout, I mean Civics, how government works how, local government work, the role of a councillor or MP. For some reason we expect people to leave school and some how for them to magically understand democracy and all that is involved.  Just as I think we fail young citizens by not teaching personal finance but that's for another day.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 20, 2021, 08:55:44 PM
I use ATMs very frequently as do a great many people. Cash is still the way a lot of places prefer as payment and long may that continue. I use contactless payment when necessary, but I would prefer it if all payments under £50.00 had to be made in cash, or cost more if cash isn't used. That's the way forward I think. Greatly increase the benefit of paying in cash.

Why do you prefer to use cash, I'm not being trying to wind you up I genuinely don't understand why anyone would use cash. I know why I don't use cash my card is faster, more secure, more hygienic, more convenient in that I don't have a pocket full of change. I'm at a loss to know what the benefits of cash are I really am. Its dirty, queues develop whilst people have to fiddle with it, traders have to bank it each day, its more difficult for people to budget. It's a little bit authoritarian trying to dictate how people should pay if they are spending a small amount and I do think it is the users of cash who will have to pay a premium in the future.  I'm not saying that's a good thing but I'm sure that's the direction of travel. I certainly never expect to use cash again.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on August 20, 2021, 09:10:38 PM
I don't think we can blame our councillors for poor turn out in local elections nor even any of the local parties nationwide as they try very hard to engage. Rather I think the problem is we don't teach civics in this country, and I don't mean politics before the usual people shout, I mean Civics, how government works how, local government work, the role of a councillor or MP. For some reason we expect people to leave school and some how for them to magically understand democracy and all that is involved. 

I don't disagree with any of that. Of course in theory, we all learn how the system works by reading newspapers and talking to people who know, but in practice that doesn't happen, partly at least because of the British thing about never discussing politics. Since politics (or more accurately civics as you say)  in the wider sense is something that affects us all, both at local and national level, it is something we should talk more about.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 20, 2021, 09:37:49 PM
Urrrrrr don't get me going about this British attitude about not discussing politics.  I do so agree with you. How are people meant to explore issues and develop their thoughts if nobody ever discusses anything. Then we wonder why we have the government's we have when we have such an uninformedpublic. In France and Germany you can sit in bars and cafes and have perfectly mature debates over a bottle of wine. Here it's a no go area. Unbelievable.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 20, 2021, 10:39:22 PM
No really sure I could ever put France and Germany on any political pedestals.

Whilst our system is far from perfect, we haven't had a revolution in quite a long while. As they say, it's the least worst option.

As they say talk is cheap, kissing babies and all the other pointless political fawnings.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 20, 2021, 11:30:08 PM
No really sure I could ever put France and Germany on any political pedestals.

Really how strange

As they say, it's the least

As they say


Who are the THEY that you refer to and seem to hold in such high regard
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 21, 2021, 02:26:40 AM
Democracy.

The UK politically had been a stable country, with no real revolutions unlike our continental counterparts.

ID cards are a good example of this unrest, you have to carry one abroad to prove your a citizen, in the UK there has never been a requirement and you can't even demand it or be forced to identify yourself.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: andrewbowden on August 21, 2021, 06:15:15 PM
Democracy.

The UK politically had been a stable country, with no real revolutions unlike our continental counterparts.

Think you may have a gap in your history.  It may have been a very long time ago but don't forget Cromwell and the abolition of the monarchy.  Followed later of course by the restoration.



Also worth remembering that many European countries (Germany, Belgium, Italy and more) are very young.  And that our status as an island has protected us from a lot of the political changes in Europe
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 21, 2021, 06:51:44 PM
I am aware of Cromwell, didn't end well for the bodies of Cromwell or Bradshaw, as it is part of local history if people aren't aware.

Well after they're deaths obviously.

Just making a point it's all well and good being able to discuss politics like in the example of France.

But knowing the monolithic systems they have and how so little changes due to the many layers of bureaucracy, resulting in the rise of the yellow vests.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 21, 2021, 08:02:27 PM
Yes well indeed Britain has always been a champion of modernity and forward thinking. Rose coloured spectacles come to mind.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 21, 2021, 10:01:26 PM
Feel free to renounce your passport and head to pastures new.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: admin on August 22, 2021, 09:36:04 AM
Just bumping the useful information from The National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) to the top of this thread :) :

Contact: Ruth Buckley-Salmon Date: 20 August 2021
Phone: 07766 524956 Email: ruth.buckley-salmon@nfsp.org.uk

Closure of local bank branch: Barclays bank, Marple branch

On 20 August 2021, Barclays bank, Marple branch, 10 The Hollins, Stockport Road, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 6AZ is due to close. This will doubtless be disappointing to Barclays customers in Marple. However, alternative banking provision is available to local residents at post office branches nearby.

The nearest post offices to the closing Barclays bank, Marple branch are:

1. Marple PO
Unit 2 The Ridgedale Centre
Hollins Lane
Marple
Stockport
SK6 6AW

2. Marple Bridge PO
14-16 Town Street
Marple Bridge
Stockport
SK6 5AA

3. Compstall PO
229 Market Place
Compstall
Stockport
SK6 5HZ

Each of these branches offers banking services - including deposits, free cash withdrawals and balance checks, as well as offering face-to-face access to government services, bill payment, foreign currency, travel insurance and, of course, postal services. There are currently 2,000 free-to-use ATMs installed across the UK post office network also.

Post offices are proving vital to retaining people’s and business’s access to cash as the banks continue to desert the high street in order to cut costs and increase their profits.

Every post office plays a vital role within the heart of the local community. Post offices provide a reliable and essential service which has continued at a high standard across the whole of the UK throughout the pandemic.

For further information, please contact Ruth Buckley-Salmon on 07766 524956 or via email at ruth.buckley-salmon@nfsp.org.uk
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: amazon on August 22, 2021, 02:30:20 PM
Just bumping the useful information from The National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) to the top of this thread :) :

Contact: Ruth Buckley-Salmon Date: 20 August 2021
Phone: 07766 524956 Email: ruth.buckley-salmon@nfsp.org.uk

Closure of local bank branch: Barclays bank, Marple branch

On 20 August 2021, Barclays bank, Marple branch, 10 The Hollins, Stockport Road, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 6AZ is due to close. This will doubtless be disappointing to Barclays customers in Marple. However, alternative banking provision is available to local residents at post office branches nearby.

The nearest post offices to the closing Barclays bank, Marple branch are:

1. Marple PO
Unit 2 The Ridgedale Centre
Hollins Lane
Marple
Stockport
SK6 6AW

2. Marple Bridge PO
14-16 Town Street
Marple Bridge
Stockport
SK6 5AA

3. Compstall PO
229 Market Place
Compstall
Stockport
SK6 5HZ

Each of these branches offers banking services - including deposits, free cash withdrawals and balance checks, as well as offering face-to-face access to government services, bill payment, foreign currency, travel insurance and, of course, postal services. There are currently 2,000 free-to-use ATMs installed across the UK post office network also.

Post offices are proving vital to retaining people’s and business’s access to cash as the banks continue to desert the high street in order to cut costs and increase their profits.

Every post office plays a vital role within the heart of the local community. Post offices provide a reliable and essential service which has continued at a high standard across the whole of the UK throughout the pandemic.

For further information, please contact Ruth Buckley-Salmon on 07766 524956 or via email at ruth.buckley-salmon@nfsp.org.uk
No Atm at Maple bridge post office nor marple
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: andrewbowden on August 22, 2021, 03:27:15 PM
No Atm at Maple bridge post office nor marple

Nope but at Marple there's one next door at Asda.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 22, 2021, 03:39:18 PM
Or cashback when you go instore.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Cyberman on August 22, 2021, 05:28:20 PM
No Atm at Maple bridge post office nor marple
One at the Church Lane co-op - and I think at the petrol station co-op.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: amazon on August 22, 2021, 08:08:59 PM
One at the Church Lane co-op - and I think at the petrol station co-op.
Anyone no when the natwesrt one is coming back in service ,if its  not surley they would have taken it out or covered it up
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 22, 2021, 11:10:25 PM
According to Link who operate the majority of atms in 2015 there were 70,588 cash machines in the UK and by 2020 that figure was 53,813 that's a reduction of about 25% over 5 years so we can clearly see the direction of travel. Increasingly people are happy indeed prefer to use contactless for small purchases and older people have become aware of the security benefits of not carrying cash that's apart from the hygiene benefits of not handing cash which we have all become aware of in the last eighteen months.
As the number of cash machines diminish people will get used to other ways of paying and the decline in the use of cash will accelerate.
Who is going to be first with the Save the ATM petition.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: andrewbowden on August 22, 2021, 11:23:09 PM
According to Link who operate the majority of atms in 2015 there were 70,588 cash machines in the UK and by 2020 that figure was 53,813 that's a reduction of about 25% over 5 years so we can clearly see the direction of travel. Increasingly people are happy indeed prefer to use contactless for small purchases and older people have become aware of the security benefits of not carrying cash that's apart from the hygiene benefits of not handing cash which we have all become aware of in the last eighteen months.

Whilst I have no particular problem with paying by card, it has to be said very strongly that there is absolutely no known link between cash handling and the transmission of Covid 19 and never has been.  The World Health Organisation were making that clear in Marc 2020.

We have used cash happily for centuries but we're sleepwalking into a future of not having it because of an ill informed fear.  Although frankly thanks to the increasingly difficult situation for businesses struggling to deposit cash at basis, I am convinced more than a few businesses are quite happy to use Covid as an excuse not to take cash as it makes their lives much easier.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 22, 2021, 11:54:16 PM
I never said there was a link to covid indeed none has been proven all I was saying was that cash is lest hygienic that was all and that we have all become more aware of hygienic issue hand washing  etc.
I merely point out the direction of travel is away from cash but we must all use what we prefer. I can certainly see a day coming where you might be asked to pay a premium price if you want to pay in cash.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 23, 2021, 01:50:29 AM
Great, let's all create a new level of fear.

Let's invoke black death style restrictions on money, yes sir your change is in that bath of vinegar on that plague stone.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: the rover on August 23, 2021, 11:45:07 AM
Just for info. The Barclays bank ATM is now covered up, went. to the one at ASDA to find out it had no cash
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: marpleexile on August 24, 2021, 07:24:09 AM
Whilst I have no particular problem with paying by card, it has to be said very strongly that there is absolutely no known link between cash handling and the transmission of Covid 19 and never has been.  The World Health Organisation were making that clear in Marc 2020.

Ignore COVID, cash is just dirty. If you've ever had to physically handle large amounts of cash you can see the dirt on your hands afterwards.

I am convinced more than a few businesses are quite happy to use Covid as an excuse not to take cash as it makes their lives much easier.

The thing is it's SOOOO much easier without cash (and consquently cheaper). When the social distancing rules were tighter we effectively stopped taking cash as everything had to be booked (and paid for) in advance either online or on the phone, therefore we weren't taking any payments of any kind in person. Now that we're taking walk-ins again and some people are paying with cash, the difference between a day with no cash taken (only cards) and a day with even only one cash payment taken is massive - it's a 45min difference to the end of day rountine.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: GM on August 24, 2021, 08:00:01 AM
Well they do say most bank notes have traces of cocaine, but I wouldn't refuse to use cash because of that.

As the phrase goes, money talks and money walks.

And unless your a major retailer or paying for something over £60, I would take my business elsewhere.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: andrewbowden on August 24, 2021, 08:58:04 AM
Ignore COVID, cash is just dirty. If you've ever had to physically handle large amounts of cash you can see the dirt on your hands afterwards.

I used to cash up in the student union bar I worked in whilst at university.  Believe me, cash was the nowhere near the top of the problems.  Besides which, washing hands afterwards is amazingly simple.  And I hardly think that people needing to wash hands after handling large amounts of cash is a good reason to scrap physical coinage and notes.

Quote
The thing is it's SOOOO much easier without cash (and consquently cheaper). When the social distancing rules were tighter we effectively stopped taking cash as everything had to be booked (and paid for) in advance either online or on the phone, therefore we weren't taking any payments of any kind in person. Now that we're taking walk-ins again and some people are paying with cash, the difference between a day with no cash taken (only cards) and a day with even only one cash payment taken is massive - it's a 45min difference to the end of day rountine.

I'm quite happy to use cards.  But remember not everyone is.  Not everyone is on board with this.  Not everyone can.  We have problems we currently haven't solved without cash - for example, victims of domestic violence whose partner is monitoring - or restricting - their access to their card based finances, but who may be able to just about squirrel enough cash away safely to allow them to escape.  Or people on very strict budgets who need to monitor their spending and find cash easiest to budget.

Those are real scenarios and we must never forget that whilst the majority can happily use cards no problem, not everyone can or wants to.

I totally understand businesses wanting to get rid of cash.  But society getting rid of cash is a very different thing.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Cyberman on August 24, 2021, 04:57:50 PM
Question - when you make a transaction by card, does the card issuer take a cut? Just a few % when added up might be significant to the shop. If it's a small local shop i'd prefer they get my full payment without MasterCard or whoever taking their bit.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 24, 2021, 06:08:34 PM
Of course they take a cut normally about 4% but it could be 7%. They provide a service they obviously want payment for that. To the trader its excellent value in that it generates extra business.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: andrewbowden on August 24, 2021, 06:54:39 PM
Question - when you make a transaction by card, does the card issuer take a cut? Just a few % when added up might be significant to the shop. If it's a small local shop i'd prefer they get my full payment without MasterCard or whoever taking their bit.

This is exactly why many shops have a minimum purchase cost for cards - or before the European Union banned it - charged you extra for credit cards.

But one thing to remember about cash is that handling it isn't free.  Banks charge businesses for cash transactions as well.  Lloyds charge £1 per £100 for example.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: marpleexile on August 24, 2021, 07:38:34 PM
Of course they take a cut normally about 4% but it could be 7%. They provide a service they obviously want payment for that. To the trader its excellent value in that it generates extra business.

Exact fees vary by provider but generally Debit Card payments are a flat fee - eg 12p per transaction where as credit cards are usually a similar fee per transaction, plus a percentage.

It's why some places only accept debit cards and not credit cards.

But in terms of cost to the business, it's a supplier cost and factored into the price like everything else.

The ban on credit card surcharges was a weird one as although it was touted as pro-consumer it was the opposite. We, like I'm sure most places that used to have a surcharge, put our prices up for everyone once we couldn't pass on the credit card charge to only those using credit cards.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Condate on August 24, 2021, 09:47:51 PM
Why do you prefer to use cash, I'm not being trying to wind you up I genuinely don't understand why anyone would use cash. I know why I don't use cash my card is faster, more secure, more hygienic, more convenient in that I don't have a pocket full of change. I'm at a loss to know what the benefits of cash are I really am. Its dirty, queues develop whilst people have to fiddle with it, traders have to bank it each day, its more difficult for people to budget. It's a little bit authoritarian trying to dictate how people should pay if they are spending a small amount and I do think it is the users of cash who will have to pay a premium in the future.  I'm not saying that's a good thing but I'm sure that's the direction of travel. I certainly never expect to use cash again.

No money these days is real; it's all a fiction really. However, cash is the nearest thing we have to real money. When you spend cash, it is obvious you are spending money. When paying with card (especially contactless), there is much less sense of how much you are spending. OK. you and I and the rest of us here are well aware of what we are spending, but for many people it is very easy to spend far more that they realise. Cash is a least a connection to reality (or the nearest you get with a fiat currency).  I do use cards and I do use contactless, however I'd prefer cash to make a comeback.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: Cyberman on August 24, 2021, 10:27:27 PM
Of course they take a cut normally about 4% but it could be 7%. They provide a service they obviously want payment for that. To the trader its excellent value in that it generates extra business.
OK thanks for all the info. So processing cash has a 1% overhead, cards its 4% to 7%. So I prefer cash as it gives an extra 3% to 6% to the shop. Not a luddite - I want to support local businesses as much as poss!
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 24, 2021, 11:28:32 PM
OK thanks for all the info. So processing cash has a 1% overhead, cards its 4% to 7%. So I prefer cash as it gives an extra 3% to 6% to the shop. Not a luddite - I want to support local businesses as much as poss!

The counter argument might be that local traders benefit from card sales as they allow more readily for spontaneity by the customer and so allowing customers to use there cards generates sales that would not happen if cash is required.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: wheels on August 24, 2021, 11:49:15 PM
No money these days is real; it's all a fiction really. However, cash is the nearest thing we have to real money. When you spend cash, it is obvious you are spending money. When paying with card (especially contactless), there is much less sense of how much you are spending. OK. you and I and the rest of us here are well aware of what we are spending, but for many people it is very easy to spend far more that they realise. Cash is a least a connection to reality (or the nearest you get with a fiat currency).  I do use cards and I do use contactless, however I'd prefer cash to make a comeback.

I certainly understand the point you make about the use of cash and a link to reality.  I'm not sure I agree but I take your point. I certainly recall as a university student in the very early 70s joining queues at banks on campus each week to withdraw £6 which would,d then cover my purchases for the week.
However it's not just people using cards in shops which is bringing the use of cash to an end. There are lots of things we used to use cash for that we don't any longer.  Nobody now goes to the Gas or Electricity officers to pay the quarters bill with cash we use direct debits nowadays to make so many payments we used to use cash for. Simply things like magazine subscriptions have taken off and so people in the main don't buy a Radio Times or whatever takes your fancy for cash each week or month they prefer the convenience and easy of annual subscriptions. Many people ever now buy razor blades via subscription services. These are only small examples but added together they bring about less and less items being bought for cash so that shops and usually only local shops now see cash as a major way of paying. Yes there will be people who prefer cash or who for example have problems getting a bank account who will find it more difficult as cash is phased out but in the medium term cash is going to become a method of paying which only a minority use. One can walk into a shop and buy a Mars Bar or a 60p roll from Archers using your debit card and nobody bats an eyelid.  That in itself must indicate to us that the drift is away from cash.
Title: Re: Barclays Bank Marple Branch
Post by: andrewbowden on August 25, 2021, 08:41:18 AM
OK thanks for all the info. So processing cash has a 1% overhead, cards its 4% to 7%. So I prefer cash as it gives an extra 3% to 6% to the shop. Not a luddite - I want to support local businesses as much as poss!

Processing cash isn't just the bank charges.  It's the cost to the business of cashing up, taking the money to the bank, and so on.  And with the closure of many local banks, just depositing the stuff is getting harder.

  If you run a business this stuff isn't free either.  So don't assume cash handling is 1%!