Barclays Bank in Castletown is reducing its hours and will open for only three days a week from April.

The move is in response to changes in banking habits said Simon Scott, country head for Barclays in the island.

Also, the bank’s lease on the building, which is owned by Manx National Heritage, comes to an end this year.

Employees are not affected by the announcement and they will work at other branches.

Mr Scott said: ’The way customers choose to bank is changing as people are increasingly moving away from traditional branches and using online, telephone and mobile devices for everyday transactions.

’While branches are still an important part of our business they must reflect how and when our customers are choosing to visit us.

’At our Castletown branch, we have experienced a decline in customer usage, and as such, we have made the decision to change our opening hours from April 9.

’We are committed to delivering a service that is shaped around what our customers want, offering them choice and flexibility, which is why Castletown branch will be open on Monday (9.30am to 4.30pm), Wednesday (10am to 2pm) and Friday (9.30am to 4.30pm).’A drop in customer numbers was also the reason for the closure of Isle of Man Bank branches in Onchan, Ballasalla and Prospect Terrace, Douglas in 2015.

At the time, the bank said there had been a 30 per cent drop in the number of customers using the three branches in the past four years - while the number of online and mobile transactions had grown by 200 per cent.

Isle of Man Bank also shut its Laxey branch in 2013, while the Kirk Michael facility closed in 2012.

In the south, there are still branches which are open full time in Castletown and Port Erin.

There is also a branch of Lloyds Bank in town, but this is also open part time, on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Town commissioners’ chairman Colin Leather was philosophical about Barclays’ reduced opening.

He said: ’It’s important banks have a presence on the high street for people to have confidence in them, but I can understand why they have reduced the hours and it’s a budgeting decision. This is the world we live in now, more people do internet banking and fewer go into branches, this is a sign of the times. The important thing is we are not losing it, it remains open for half the week.

’I believe they have no intention of leaving Castletown, but it’s up to them and what they negotiate with Manx National Heritage.’

Barclays confirmed it is in discussion with MNH.