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08
Nov 2023
Harrogate charity in turmoil after Barclays suddenly closes account
A charity near Harrogate that provides riding therapy to vulnerable children has been plunged into turmoil by the sudden closure of its bank account.
Sarah Kekoa, founder of Autism Angels, said Barclays told her last week it had inadvertently closed the account and would reactivate it within 48 hours.
But nine days later the issue remains unresolved, leaving the charity unable to pay staff or cash-in cheques worth tens of thousands of pounds.
Ms Kekoa told the Stray Ferret she was desperate for the situation to be resolved quickly because it threatened the organisation's reputation and ongoing viability. She said:
Sarah Kekoa (centre) with colleagues at Autism Angels.
Ms Kekoa said the charity's five staff, who are paid weekly, had continued to work despite missing out on their latest wages.
She said three families of her family had banked with Barclays and Autism Angels had been a Barclays customer for 11 years but she was "beyond frustrated" at the length of time the matter was taking to resolve.
She added staff at her local branch had been helpful but it appeared to be a classic case of "computer says no" with messages not being acted upon.
The Stray Ferret has seen an email from Barclays to Autism Angels, dated Friday last week, in which it said it was "trying to get your bank account opened as soon as possible" and apologising for any inconvenience.
Autism Angels, which is based in Summerbridge, near Pateley Bridge, helps people with autism, mental health issues and in crisis ride horses and ponies for therapy.
A Barclays Spokesperson said:
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