The residents of Bishop Auckland are set to see a significant change as NatWest announces the closure of its branch on Newgate Street. The closure, scheduled for April 29, is part of a larger plan that will see 53 branches shut down across the country. This decision comes after a notable decrease in in-person banking, with only 216 customers using the branch monthly and a 57% drop in counter transactions over the past five years.
While NatWest highlights that 76% of its customers have transitioned to online banking, this closure still impacts the local community. Two more branches in the North East will also close, in Newcastle on May 1 and Stockton on June 4.
In response, NatWest is launching community pop-up services near the closing branches. These pop-ups will be available for up to 12 weeks and will provide face-to-face support for banking needs, digital services setup, and fraud prevention advice. Although these pop-ups will be cashless, they aim to help those who need assistance adapting to the digital age.
This closure follows HSBC’s exit from Newgate Street in 2022. Despite these closures, Barclays, Santander, and Lloyds continue to serve the town.
A NatWest spokesperson emphasized their commitment to customer service and digital banking solutions, noting significant investments to improve the overall banking experience. They reassured that support would be available for those uncomfortable with digital banking, with over 200,000 calls made last year to assist customers.