Bank customers left with nowhere to go in Suffolk could be given a lifeline with plans to increase the number of libraries offering bank drop-in sessions.

Currently, seven Suffolk libraries host drop-in sessions run by Barclays Bank staff- at Felixstowe, Halesworth, Aldeburgh, Eye, Stowmarket, Ipswich and Bungay.

But there are also plans to host an eighth drop-in at the library in Sudbury, where the Barclays branch closed on July 6.

READ MORE: 'Keep local Suffolk bank services' Citizens Advice says

Earlier this week, the EADT reported how Simon Clifton, chief officer at Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk, was calling for banks to ensure vulnerable customers were still able to access services locally.

His plea came after Barclays' Framlingham branch shut on Friday, while the bank is also planning to close its Southwold and Woodbridge branches on November 30 and December 1 respectively.

Although the library sessions do not enable banking transactions, staff can offer help with money management, financial health, buying and improving a home and supporting a business.

READ MORE: Suffolk: Bank closures causing 'financial exclusion'

Bruce Leeke, chief executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: “This is an example of the many ways we work with local businesses and organisations to help provide access to vital services through our countywide network, particularly in towns where an organisation doesn’t have its own physical presence.

"We’re always open to conversations about new partnerships which can help meet a community need and it of course helps the library service by making us an increasingly important space for these types of interactions and there aren’t too many other community spaces which can offer what we can.

READ MORE: Suffolk news

“Some libraries also host drop-ins with Citizens’ Advice and Work Well Suffolk.

"Some of our district councils also have digital support sessions and customer access points in libraries to help customers access their services.”

READ MORE: Framlingham news