The Nantwich branch of NatWest Bank was closed today, leaving thousands of customers seeking alternative branches of new banks.
And the reaction was one of disappointment at the loss of a service that many still value.
We revealed back in January that the bank had announced its impending closure due to a drop off in counter transactions and more banking than ever being done online.
Today, the bank said it was still working with staff to ensure they are found new positions in the company to try and avoid redundancies.
A spokesperson told Nantwich News: “We continue to support individual colleagues impacted by the closure, with one of the outcomes potentially redeployment in nearby branches or within the wider NatWest group, linked to colleague preference.”
But one loyal customer Jan Roberts, who runs Pure PR in Nantwich, called it a “sad day” for the town losing a key service.
She added: “As a customer for the past 20 years I’m not happy about travelling to Crewe.
“I pay charges for every transaction as a business account holder.
“Will my travel be refunded? Of course not!
“With that familiar looking signage now down and cash machine boarded up, the town square looks different, emphasising a sense of loss.
“It leaves another desolate looking building in the heart of Nantwich and customers like me looking for an alternative.
“To expect people to travel miles is not on. No doubt they will leave in their droves – not a good look NatWest.
“I’m checking out TSB which has been a fixture in Nantwich for decades and doesn’t seem to have a policy of branch closures.”
Shaun Cafferty, of Whitegates letting agents, added: “Many towns bigger than Nantwich have faced the departure of many of their banks, so I don’t think it says anything specifically bad about Nantwich.
“However, it’s clearly unwelcome for people who struggle with phone and internet banking services, many of whom are old or suffer disabilities.
“The loss of the bank also removes a reason why people would come to Nantwich, and then shop and spend money whilst they are here.
“Nantwich serves a big catchment area and needs to ensure we continue to attract people into our town when they could instead go to other nearby towns or cities.
“We must avoid complacency and actively compete for their custom.”
NatWest has said it has supported many of its Nantwich customers as they come to terms with the closure.
They added: “Digital banking continues to provide new and inclusive ways of allowing the overwhelming majority of our individual and business customers, including the elderly and vulnerable, to bank with us in ways that they weren’t able to before.
“But we know that a small number of people are not yet comfortable with it, which is why we are proactively reaching out to support them with this transition, having made over 200,000 calls last year.
“We also have experts that they can speak to for support and guidance.”
Good place for another Greggs……..just sayin
Santander are also due to acquire TSB:
https://www.santander.co.uk/about-santander/media-centre/press-releases/santander-to-acquire-tsb-from-sabadell-for-ps265
Given there is a Santander in Crewe, it would not be surprising to encourage customers there. Crewe has 7 banks and so the presence is needed there to keep up competition.
If TSB does ever close Nantwich then a Banking Hub would be likely. A Banking Hub can only be placed when there are no banks (ie when the final bank announces closure).
It’d be splendid if we could have another coffee shop there instead!
“I’m checking out TSB which has been a fixture in Nantwich for decades and doesn’t seem to have a policy of branch closures.”
I’m afraid this is not the case – Sheffield has lost at least two branches recently including the only one in the city centre. The nearest branch is now Meadowhall, of all places.