Councillor jokes Bank Street is going to be ‘Bankless Street’ as the last bank pulls out of Newquay's high street

The last bank on Bank Street Barclays is set to close in October. Credit: ITV West Country

Popping to the bank soon won’t be the reason to come to Newquay’s town centre with the last bank Barclays set to close blaming a reduction in counter transactions.

It’s going to be bankless street, this is the last bank in the town centre and it’s a huge deficit to the town.

Cllr Geoff Brown, Cornwall Councillor for Newquay Central
Cornwall Councillor Geoff Brown says the street is going to be 'Bankless Street'. Credit: ITV West Country

In around 1890 banks began to dominate Newquay's 'Front Street' so it was renamed 'Bank Street'. Once around six banks lined the street but they have now nearly all changed use to shops and cafes.  

A coffee shop has now taken the place of Devon & Cornwall Bank. Credit: Newquay Heritage Archive & Museum / ITV West Country
A homewares store has taken the place of The National Provincial Bank. Credit: Newquay Heritage Archive & Museum / ITV West Country

The Coronavirus pandemic and the need at many places to use contactless or card payments is a factor now speeding up the digital banking revolution.

People will get used to not using cash which will reduce the amount of cash a lot more.

Len Sheppard, Newquay Heritage Archive & Museum

Cornwall Councillor Geoff Brown complained to Barclays about their closure and was told 85% of their customers use online or telephone banking.

What about the 15% who value face to face contact, that’s a real concern particularly as our elderly residents are much more vulnerable to scamming.

Cllr Geoff Brown, Cornwall Councillor for Newquay Central
With plenty of shops, cafes and eateries its hoped Newquay’s town centre will remain a bustling place to be. Credit: ITV West Country

Barclays are retaining their out of town branch in Newquay and have said nobody will lose their job when the Bank Street branch closes on the 23 October 2020.