High Street bank NatWest has announced the closure of at least two of its branches in Bristol, sparking a backlash against this ‘disastrous decision’. NatWest has written to customers of two of its branches in Bristol, warning that the branches will close this summer.
People who bank with the NatWest’s branch on the Wells Road in Knowle have been told it will close on July 12. NatWest said that, between 2019 and 2022, counter transactions decreased by 64 per cent, with people switching to online banking instead, and never needing to go into a branch.
They added that customers who need a counter transaction can use the Post Office, which is across the road. People who bank with NatWest at the branch in Westbury-on-Trym have been advised it will close on August 8.
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The decision is a huge blow for Knowle, which is seeing the gradual deterioration of the Broadwalk Shopping Centre, with two stores there closing this year alone. Lloyds Bank next door remains open, and there are other banks with retail premises on East Street in Bedminster, but the number of banks south of the river will soon be less than four.
In Westbury-on-Trym, seven Conservative councillors who represent wards in that part of Bristol have put their names to a letter to NatWest’s boss, urging a re-think. “We write in our capacity as local councillors for the wards most directly affected by this disastrous decision, and to urge that you reverse or at least pause this move to find a more realistic solution to that currently being proposed,” the letter stated.
“The rationale behind this closure is all too familiar. Once again, it is being attributed to the changing ways that people are ‘choosing’ to access services with a move to much more mobile and online banking/digital platforms. However, this trend is in fact something that is being forced upon many by the very act of shutting down branch buildings and face-to-face retail provision,” they added.
'Vital role'
“We wish to point out that the presence of major banks performs a vital role in helping to ensure our local high streets remain attractive, coherent, and vibrant places to visit. They are integral to secondary shopping centres. Furthermore, the loss of these facilities runs entirely contrary to the future of city and town planning for liveable neighbourhoods which will seek to limit travel and tie residents more to their immediate locale, area or place.
“To be sympathetic and supportive, the manager of our threatened branch has set out several suggested alternatives in place to act as some kind of balm. Frankly, [we think] many of these ideas are fanciful, impractical, short term or illusory. We are sure that the proffered mitigations can be improved upon.
"It has been proposed that customers travel to use the NatWest Filton branch 2.4 miles away. For those without private vehicles, this is entirely unfeasible, especially as bus services over the border to South Gloucestershire are about to be axed,” they added.
Cllr Steve Smith told Bristol Live: “The news of this latest closure came as a bolt out of the blue and is truly worrying. The loss of these kinds of services threatens the future of Westbury Village itself. As our letter makes clear, face-to-face banking provision is still needed for all those who can’t or won’t bank online.
“Moreover, these premises play a greater role than just conducting purely commercial or retail transactions. They generate footfall and a provide a reason for people to shop locally. If the current network is allowed to decline further, we fear this could sound the death knell for most of our suburban or secondary shopping centres.
“In any event, one of the main reasons for the decline in branch use and the drive towards more virtual banking is this closure policy or strategy. As an alternative, we have offered to work with the major banks to establish a shared, physical hub in the village, which would retain an actual presence on the High Street, thereby guaranteeing continued access to the public for all their business and banking needs. It is to be hoped that our genuine proposal is well received and will be built upon,” he added.
A spokesperson for NatWest said: "As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it’s 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," she added.
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