MELKSHAM’S NatWest branch has been named as one of 197 branch closures across the UK as the bank says that more people are choosing to do their banking online.
Nat West Melksham says that due to its branch usage decreasing 40% since 2014, it has had to make the serious decision of closing.
According to NatWest, “More and more people are choosing to do their banking online, with our mobile banking app, or over the phone. It’s more convenient to do it at a time and place that suits you, rather than come into branch. This means some branches are being used a lot less than they used to be.
“There has been an increase of 41% in the usage of mobile and online transactions in the first half of 2017. Factors like these are considered over a long period, from June 2012-2017 and contribute to our decision-making process when closing a branch.”
The Mayor of Melksham cllr Adrienne Westbrook said, “As Mayor of Melksham I am disappointed that yet another bank has chosen to close. Whilst recognising that banking has changed over the past 10 years, it is vital that rural communities have access to good banking arrangements.
“I would like to see our MP starting a campaign to get the banks to work together to make sure that a banking hub is available in market towns. To say that the Post Office can be used is not acceptable as I’m not sure they have the capacity to take this on.
“It is also concerning that another large building right in the heart of the town will be empty. I would hope that Wiltshire Council would work with the owners to have a speedy outcome for this.
“I will bring a motion to the next appropriate meeting so that it can be discussed fully.”
The nearest branches will now be Trowbridge, Devizes or Chippenham.
