BANK EXODUS?

Cotlands Road car park, near the Lansdowne, has been identified as a possible site for relocation.

Bournemouth council will enter into negotiations with Barclays over the sale of the car park if proposals are approved at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Barclays announced in September it was to review the future of its Poole base as it could no longer meet the bank's needs.

A spokesperson for Barclays said: "The review looking at the suitability of Barclays House in Poole for Barclays' future operations in the region remains ongoing.

"While the option of remaining at Barclays House has not been fully discounted, we are considering several potential relocation opportunities in both Poole and Bournemouth.

"However, no final decision on these has been made. Barclays remains committed to the region."

Poole council insists it is still in negotiations with Barclays to keep the company in Poole.

Its strategic director, Jim Bright, said: "It is our understanding the statement released by Barclays is accurate.

"Sites in Poole are still being considered including continuing at Barclays House."

Barclays has submitted an offer for the Cotlands Road car park in Bournemouth, but it is understood to be below that of an independent valuation of the site.

However, the report to go before the council next week says it is anticipated an acceptable figure will emerge from subsequent negotiations.

While the move would undoubtedly provide a huge boost to Bournemouth, Poole would lose a major employer and some 2,500 jobs.

Businesses across Poole would be likely to suffer a blow to their trade if the relocation goes ahead.

Barclays has stressed its employees will be kept fully informed of developments.

The nine-storey octagonal Barclays House building was opened in Poole in January 1976 and has become one of the town's most prominent landmarks.

Earlier this week, Barclays moved a step closer to taking over Dutch rival ABN Amro after agreeing to move its headquarters to Amsterdam.