Anger After NatWest Announces Bank In Market Harborough To Close

There has been an angry reaction after NatWest announced its bank in Market Harborough will close in January.

The company says face-to-face transactions at the St Mary’s Road branch have fallen by 64% in the past three years, as more customers use internet and mobile banking.

It says just six personal customers use it on a regular basis.

But councillor Barbara Johnson, who represents the town centre area, told HFM many people, including the elderly without internet access, rely on it:

Customers have been sent letters about the closure

The Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce has also criticised the decision to close the branch, which is used by many businesses in the town.

It comes after Halifax shut its branch in the town centre last year.

President Kyra Williams spoke to HFM:

NatWest will shut the branch in Market Harborough in January

The branch will shut on January 11th.

Natwest have not said what will happen to staff who work at the branch.

A Natwest spokesperson told HFM: “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.”