NatWest has announced its Prestwich branch will close later this year as in-person transactions fall by almost 70 per cent.

The bank, which has just one other branch in the borough, announced its Prestwich branch will close on October 18, 2023.

In a letter informing them of the closure, NatWest told customers that closing the branch is “a difficult decision and not one that we take lightly.”

“We understand that this branch closure may be challenging for many and were working hard to help prepare out customers, and our colleagues, for the closure.”

The Prestwich branch is one of a number of physical locations across the country closing over the next few months.

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In nearby Radcliffe, which has no branches of any bank, a community effort has been launched to secure a 'banking hub' in the town which would encompass the services of multiple banks in one place. 

NatWest said the closure is down to the rise of Online Banking and deceased footfall in branch.

In a ‘fact sheet’ published on the company’s website, NatWest said counter transactions at the Prestwich branch for personal customers in January 2023 have decreased by 68 per cent compared to January 2019.

It said the branch was used by 193 business customers and just four personal customers on a regular basis in 2022.

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In the same year, NatWest said 67 per cent of personal customers who used the branch also chose to use Online Banking or its mobile app.

It continued: “We completely understand that online banking isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes you want to chat things through with someone.

“We promise that you’ll still be able to talk to one of our team either on the phone, by video or in one of our other branches.”

After October 18, NatWest has advised customers to visit its nearest branch at Cheetham Hill.