Bank branch closure "poorly considered", says Southampton MP
NatWest is closing 23 branches including one in Southampton
Last updated 27th Jan 2023
A Southampton MP has hit out at NatWest accusing it of showing a "lack of care" for loyal customers after announcing another round of bank closures.
The bank is shutting 23 branches between late April and the start of June including the branch in Bitterne.
The latest announcement means 87 branches have been slated for closure by high street banks so far this year.
NatWest said many people are shifting to mobile and online banking.
Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said he was disappointed by the closure of the Bitterne branch because it is "well-used".
In a Facepost post Mr Smith said: "Banks appear to think their retail customers are an inconvenience, while neglecting the many billions of pounds they hold on account for their customers.
"We are all aware that for many years interest rates on savings have been pitiful or non-existent.
"Perhaps we would be more accepting of this if banks saw the importance of being convenient to their customers, or that they care about our communities.
"Sadly, this does not seem to be the case.
"I am today writing to the chief executive of NatWest with my opposition to the closure of NatWest Bitterne.
"I hope that they will realise their customers do have a voice and that without retail banking, their business would not be as profitable and successful as it is today."