Despite branch closures, you can still be with the Woolwich

Woolwich customers have been sent a letter informing them of the move, which will mean the movement of their branch and accounts to Barclays on June 22.

Although the move will mean the end of Woolwich stores in high streets across the country, the bank's services will be available in Barclays banks, giving Woolwich customers access to more branches nationwide and allowing them to bank at post offices.

Barclays also said there would be no job losses as staff would be transferred to the new branches at the same time.

Littlehampton's branch at 39, High Street, will move to the Barclays branch just down the road at 71, High Street.

John Stevens, chairman of Littlehampton Traders' partnership, said: "The Woolwich does command an important retail position in the town and it would be nice to see it returned to a conventional retailing outlet.

"We would very much welcome an independent retailer because it is the independents that make a difference to the retail scene."

In Rustington, Woolwich customers will have to use the Barclays branch in 126, The Street.

Andy Cooper, chairman of Rustington Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said he was not overly concerned by the closure of the branch at 1, Broadmark Parade.

He said: "I don't see it as a negative move. Vacant shops in Rustington get snapped up very quickly.

"There will be one less bank in the village but I am hoping for another good, unique retail outlet to take its place."

A Barclays spokesman said: "This is good news for our Woolwich customers as they will have access to a wider range of services which will be available to them at more branches throughout the UK.

"Their branch will also be better staffed as their colleagues in the Woolwich branch will also move to Barclays. This means that customers will be served by the same familiar faces."