THE TILEHURST branch of NatWest is among more than 80 set to close across the UK, leaving just one in Reading.
It is also the last bank in the village area to go, despite assurances from the bank back in January that it would remain open, making the closest branch of any bank outside of reasonable walking distance from Tilehurst.
It comes as NatWest and Lloyds banks announced that cuts would see 81 branches closed, more than half of which belonged to the NatWest group.
The closure has sparked a petition by Liberal Democrat councillors Anne Thompson, Janine Lewis, and Simon Billows to reverse the decision.
Councillors argue that the branch is the last bricks-and-mortar branch left “for miles in west Reading,” and that the closure will leave “residents and businesses in Tilehurst, Purley, and Kentwood without banking services.”
Cllr Thompson also penned a letter to NatWest, in which she explained that the decision would come as a “bitter blow” to residents.
“The closure of Tilehurst’s NatWest will create a banking desert in Berkshire between Thatcham and Reading town centre, over 13 miles away.
“This will have a chilling effect on local communities, on residents and on independent businesses.”
Further on, she explained that the nearest branch, in The Oracle in central Reading, was not fit to serve those who would previously have used the local branch.
“Users of NatWest in the Oracle in Reading town centre are regularly asked to attend in-person meetings in the Tilehurst branch because the Oracle has insufficient meeting space and opening hours.”
She also cited that many of the users who would be most affected would be those who do not use online banking would also be the users who struggled with transport into the town centre, therefore disproportionately affecting them.
The letter concluded with a direct request to reconsider the branch’s closure.
In light of the closures, NatWest released a breakdown of how much traffic each of their branches was receiving.
According to their figures, over the counter transactions at the Tilehurst branch had reduced by 74% in 2022 compared to 2019.
While it saw 123 business customers use it regularly in 2021, it reported just three regular personal customers.
It is part of a 64% reduction in use of face-to-face services across the bank between 2019 and 2022.
As such, it explained that the closure of a branch often takes into consideration the number of affected customers as well as the level of impact.
It also considers how close the nearest cash machines and Post Offices are.
In a statement posted to its website, NatWest said: “Banking has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services, as our customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank.
“Closing a branch is a decision we take very seriously– we know it can affect those less confident with alternatives we offer.
“We’ll always work hard to guide and support you through the changes and find the best way to serve you from now on.”
