BARCLAYS is to open a number of branches on New Year’s Day, when UK consumers are expected to spend more than �530million on debit cards and to withdraw more than �250m from cash machines.

It will be the first time that any branches of Barclays in England and Wales have opened on New Year’s Day since it became recognised as an official Bank Holiday in 1974.

Among those were are due to open on January 1, from 10am to 2pm, are the main branches in Colchester and Ipswich.

Andy Wright, network regional director for Barclays, said: “In response to customers’ evolving needs, customers now have more choice about when they want to visit the branch. We are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to see us at the branch outside the traditional banking times.”

Branch services such as paying in and withdrawing cash, transferring money between accounts and paying bills will be available for customers at 67 branches across the UK.

Mr Wright added: “The New Year opening hours makes great sense for our customers as high streets up and down the country will be busy with shoppers looking to grab a bargain in the New Year sales.

“Bank Holidays can often be a time when customers have a little more time to reflect on their finances and perhaps a good time to implement some positive financial resolutions. Whatever the reason we will be happy for our customers to take advantage of the new opening hours. ”