Market Harborough’s NatWest Branch Closes Permanently Today

The NatWest bank in Market Harborough will close for the final time today.

The decision to shut the branch on St Mary’s Road is being blamed on a reduction in in-person transactions, with customers instead using mobile and internet banking.

The ATM will also be removed.

NatWest say counter transactions have dropped by 64% in the past three years and just six ‘personal customers’ use it on a regular basis.

NatWest will shut its branch in Market Harborough today

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.”

The nearest NatWest branches to Market Harborough will now be Kettering or Corby, although the bank says customers can make use of banking services at any Post Office.

NatWest is already making plans to sell the building, which has been the location of a bank for more than 100 years.

A planning application has been lodged with Harborough District Council to remove the ATM and night safe and ‘make good’ external parts of the building.

It will be the first of two bank closures in the town centre this year – HSBC will shut its base on the High Street in May.