BARCLAYS has been slammed for being "tasteless" after setting up a mobile bank – in a graveyard.
Residents in Hove, east Sussex, were gobsmacked to see the bright blue van parked up in the cemetery of a local church.
It comes after the high street bank announced it was closing its branch – 50 yards away – in the seaside town on December 8.
Barclays says it has been given permission to park at St Andrew’s church, every Monday from 10am until 3pm.
They have started running the service before the branch closes so customers can get used to the time and location.
Baffled locals responded with incredulity.
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Jan Lomax said: "I know high street banks are dying but this takes the biscuit."
Another said: "Tasteless. Why don't they park in the nearby Tesco car park?"
A spokeswoman for the bank said it was rolling out its weekly van visits early so customers who use the soon-to-shut Church Road site can get to grips with the new format.
She said the graveyard idea is 'only temporary' while it searches for a long-term home.
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She added: "We are delivering new ways to support our customers and the community with options for those who need in-person services.
"We plan for the Barclays van to visit one day a week – a cashless banking alternative where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for a variety of support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel.
"We have worked with the local community and council to source a suitable location to park the van and the church is currently the only option available and is fully supportive of our presence."
The Rev Dan Henderson, vicar of St Andrew's, said "Recently we have begun hosting a Barclays banking van every Monday to serve those in the community who will find it difficult to undergo their banking tasks once the Barclays branch in George Street is closed.
"We see this as a practical way to serve the community and to help Barclays maintain a face-to-face option when it comes to banking, something that is valued by many in our congregation and community.
"Our church grounds are solely maintained by volunteers and hosting these businesses helps to increase positive community use, decrease anti-social behaviour and fund our vision to 'Love God and Love Hove like Jesus'."
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