NatWest has said it will close 43 bank branches
(Picture: Yui Mok/PA Archive)NatWest bank will close some of its branches, as it moves banking services online. Although 43 branches will close, only six jobs are expected to be put at risk. People who are likely to be affected will be contacted by the bank.
On the decision, NatWest said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking because it is faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.
“We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren't right for everyone or every situation and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind.
“We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”
NatWest isn’t the only bank to shake up the high street. Recently, 66 Lloyds and Halifax branches were shut down nationally. The company said visits to each one had fallen by an average of 60% in the last five years and by up to 85% in some locations, leading it to make cuts to its physical banks.
And in 2021, Santander closed 111 branches. The group said the decision was in response to the shift by customers towards mobile and online banking.
However, research has found that closures of local bank branches across the UK have increased demand for cash deposit services at post offices. The universities of Sheffield and Bristol conducted a study that found 10% of post offices had been affected by a bank closure within 1km (0.62 miles), resulting in a 27% rise in demand for cash deposit services.
Whereas post offices in areas unaffected by bank closures reported an 8% increase in demand for the same services.
Between April 2021 and March 2022, 800 bank branches closed across the country, mostly in urban areas and cities.
Which NatWest branches are closing?
- 18 Market Place, Henley-on-Thames
- Hightown, Sandbach
- 141 High Street, Stourbridge
- 49 High Street, Wetherby
- 5 Broad Street, Wokingham
- 2 Spring Gardens, Buxton
- York Street, Clitheroe
- 34 Southampton Road, Eastleigh
- 19 The Grove, Ilkley
- 44 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross
- 12 Station Road East, Oxted
- 181 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar
- 19 Market Street, Shipley
- 68 Palmerston Road, Southsea
- 37 High Street, St Neots
- 3 Cornmarket, Thame
- Norfolk Square, Glossop
- Corner of Alexandra and Sea View Street, Cleethorpes
- 209 Ashley Road, Parkstone
- 1 Market Place, Devizes
- 49 High Street, Uckfield
- 93 London Road, Waterlooville
- 130 High Street, Tonbridge
- 71 Lowther Street, Whitehaven
- 1 Courthouse Square, Dundee
- 214 High Holborn, London
- 21 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough
- 11 High Street, Lewes
- 208 Lower Blandford Road, Broadstone
- 19 Miller Road, Ayr
- 209 Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon
- 262 Union Street, Aberdeen
- 118 Walsgrave Road, Coventry
- 128 Balham Road, London
- 109 George Street, Edinburgh
- 19 High Road, Beeston
- 119 High Street, Berkhamstead
- 151 Bath Road, Cheltenham
- 14 Blythswood Square, Glasgow
- 124 High Street, Bromsgrove
- 1 Croydon Road, Caterham
- 34 High Street, Cheadle
- 91 London Road, Headington
