NatWest have announced that they will be closing their Alderley Edge branch on July 3rd 2017 due to a decline in customers using the branch.
Russell Finch, Local Chief Executive Officer, said "With people relying more and more on technology, in all aspects of their lives, customers are increasingly looking to the speed and convenience of our digital services, such as online and mobile banking, to carry out their day-to day transactions.
"Between 2010 and 2015, mobile and online transactions have increased by over 400%; mobile transactions alone have increased by 1,350%. As a result, the number of customers using our branches is falling."
As a result of this change, Nat West has seen the number of transactions in the Alderley Edge branch decline by 29% since 2011 and 55% of the branch customers are actively choosing to use our digital banking options.
Russell Finch added "We are committed to following the UK Government protocol on branch closures and have extended our notice period to 6 months, to ensure our customers are familiar with all the different ways they can bank with us.
"We know that not all of our customers are comfortable and familiar with using online or mobile banking, so we have created a new specialist taskforce of Digital Experts who will be dedicated to supporting our customers with training and support with digital skills."
NatWest have a national agreement with the Post Office so their customers can pay money in, take money out, check balances and business customers can get coinage and the nearest NatWest branch is in Wilmslow.
Mr Finch continued "To ensure customers are prepared for using these alternative services, we will be running events over the six months and have put in place additional support and specialist expertise to support local staff and customers. This includes online and digital training and support."
The local team at NatWest have been informed and they will be getting in touch with their customers over the next few days.
Comments
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Mind you NatWest have managed to shred my Son's property deeds by mistake. Perhaps we can do without them!
It's a superb building, I hope it is put to good use.
Consider the vulnerable? How is anyone going to make a profit out of that??
No, forget customer service - it's no longer fashionable. Forget the fact that the Banks nearly brought us to our knees just a few short years ago and only survive through the benevolence of the taxpayer. This is how they reward us - by withdrawing services from (particularly) the most vulnerable.
"Ah but you can use the Post office" they cry. In Frodsham the Post Office queue is like those for food during the Battle of Stalingrad!
Arrogance, ignorance and greed......that's the future!
Clearly the number add up to keep the branch but they are not servicing their customer very well.
I'm sure I saw there mobile banking van advert a few years ago. IT was to service rural customers. Could they not visit 2 or 3 times week. I'm sure they must know the ages of there Customers. Or they just don't care.