Town bemoans 'terrible' high street bank closures

Shoppers and business owners have bemoaned the "terrible" loss of two high street banks and the impact it could have on their town.

The Halifax and NatWest branches in Leek, Staffordshire, closed on 4 June and Monday respectively with both firms citing the ongoing trend of customers moving to online banking services.

For Angela Golding, who works at the town's Delia Metcalfe store, the closures have had an effect on both the shop and its older customers.

"We like the cash because it stops the card machine fees. Older people like to give cash to their grandchildren. Everybody needs cash and we all use it," she said.

"It's terrible to lose two banks, especially the NatWest, and it has a knock-on effect on everybody. It's such a shame to have that building go to rack and ruin."

Stephen Lanza, who runs Mosaic Boutique in Sheep Market, said the bank closures were "shocking" to him, as his store preferred cash over credit or debit card transactions.

"You know what you are spending when you use cash. What people don't realise is when you pay by card the retailer is not even getting the full amount," he added.

Resident Allan Clarke, 75, said he was "not very happy" about the closures, having been with NatWest since he was 16 years old.

"You used to be able to go and see a bank manager, now we can't even get in the building," he said.

Rob Furmston said there was a second NatWest branch in the town at one point and now there were none, adding: "It's just a shame."

A Halifax spokesperson said more than 20 million customers now used its apps and had "more flexibility than ever for their day-to-day banking".

It said users could also use telephone banking, visit a community banker or use any other Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland branch.

NatWest said banking had "changed dramatically" in recent years with rising demand for mobile and online services.

The firm said it took the decision to close branches "very seriously".

"We'll always work hard to guide and support you through the changes and find the best way to serve you from now on," it added.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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