Campaigners are claiming victory today after an apparent last-minute change of heart by banking giant Barclays.

The bank today closed 172 rural branches - including Dedham, Hatfield Peverel, Sible Hedingham, Coggeshall and Thaxted - because of the changing face of banking such as cash machines and over the internet.

But in a surprise move the bank pledged to continue to provide over-the-counter facilities through the post office network.

Objectors in Coggeshall and Sible Hedingham were delighted at the news.

Jo Beavis, who led a six-week campaign against the closure of the Sible Hedingham branch, said she was "over the moon".

"It's a real result. I am just pleased Barclays have listened. It proves we can make a difference. We have fought so hard and now we have got a result - especially for the elderly and people who can't get out of the village."

The announcement came just hours after enormous bonus incentives for top Barclays chiefs were revealed.

Chief executive Matthew Barrett stands to earn a reported bonus package of £30.5 million if he hits his targets - a staggering 36 times his basic £850,000 salary.

"It couldn't have got any worse for them," said Mrs Beavis. "This was an eleventh hour turn-around to try hang on to their customers. "It proves our fight was not in vain and that people power does work."

In Coggeshall queues formed outside the bank as it opened late for its last day of trading.

Customers were unable to draw money out because of an electrical fault at the Coggeshall outlet.

Brian Tebbutt, a campaigner against the closure in Coggeshall, was also delighted at the concession from the banking giant.

He said: "We are still very upset the bank is closing but are pleased that they have seen sense in putting the limited services into the post offices."

But Beryl Seabrook, of Tilkey Road, Coggeshall, who worked at the bank when it first opened in 1967, said she was "disgusted".

She added: "I was so upset when I heard it was to close. Now on the last day we can't even use it."

Commenting on the post office proposals, a Barclays spokesman said: "In no way is this a public relations exercise or anything other than a genuine attempt to make it easier to do business with Barclays."

The services will be available to personal customers by the end of the month.

Customers will be able to cash cheques, deposit cheques and pay in money. Barclays says it wants to phase in the service "as soon as possible".

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.