BARCLAYS BANK on the high street is closed for renovations, leaving one councillor to explain why to upset residents. 

The branch on Ascot High Street is closed until November 27, and Councillor Sayonara Luxton from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has explained there was a lack of communication from the bank.

She said: “They didn’t tell anyone, I’m a customer with them and I didn’t receive any communication from them. 

“I’ve had residents coming to me asking what’s going on. 

“The problem is, so many people are elderly and walk into the town to use their bank, maybe to get money out, maybe to sort out pension payments, and they’re being met with closed doors.” 

Cllr Luxton also pointed out that a lot of the people using the branch can’t get to the other nearby branches, and many don’t use online banking.

“They should have said something about why the bank was closed. 

“The next nearest branch is in Windsor or Egham, and that’s too far away for some people who may not be able to drive, and it’s an added expense getting a taxi to the bank.”

Barclays Bank spokesperson said: “To provide a modern banking environment for our customers and colleagues, we are investing heavily in our Ascot branch, refurbishing the banking hall and installing our latest technology.  

"While the branch is closed, both personal and business customers can use Post Offices for their basic banking needs including paying in cash and cheques and withdrawing cash.

"We apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused by this temporary closure and look forward to welcoming them to the state of the art branch when it reopens on the 27th November 2017.”

Barclays have also stated to The News that posters were displayed notifying customers of the works, and employees were under instructions to notify customers.