I'm disappointed that Natwest plans to close its branch in the thriving village of Bearsted. There is a growing trend of rural banks closing down, which is particularly surprising when there are more vulnerable people who use them and more small and medium sized businesses who rely on them. The branch is due to be closed on 5th June 2017.
Lots of older people rely on face-to-face interaction with their bank, and it’s not good enough just to tell them to move online. They will still be able to deposit and withdraw cash from the Post Office, but it will be harder for them to receive other banking services. Small businesses deal largely in cash and cheques, so they could be hit by the loss of this branch.
I have made these points in a letter to the Chief Executive of Natwest and asked what it would take for him to reconsider. You can read the letter here.