I was very disappointed to learn that the Natwest branch in Bearsted is to close. While I appreciate that more people are using online banking, not everyone has the skills or confidence to do this and there are certain transactions, like banking a cheque, that require you to visit a local branch.
So I questioned NatWest bank over plans to close its branch in Bearsted.
I asked how people and businesses who can’t use online banking or travel to another branch will do their banking in future, at a meeting with representatives of NatWest parent company RBS.
The bank said that it is introducing a ‘Community Banker’ to help people effected by the closure – particularly the elderly and vulnerable. The Community Banker will be on hand to visit people in their homes, and at events and surgeries explaining how people can access the bank’s services, after the branch closes on 5 June.
I’ll be keeping a keen eye on how this is working and whether my constituents are being left behind.