Less than a week since HSBC announced their Ventnor branch would close in November, NatWest bank have revealed that two of their branches on the Isle of Wight will also close.
A drop in usage over recent years has led to the decision by the bank to close the Cowes branch on 25th November and Freshwater branch the following day, on 26th November.
Freshwater closure to be fought
According to Cllr John Medland, who represents Freshwater, there was no consultation and the staff were informed just this morning (Tuesday).
Cllr Medland says,
“The short timespan means that by the time we are able to legally start complaining to the Ombudsman Service the branch will already be closed.
“The leaflet handed out suggests that we can pay in at the Post Office but offers no other services than already available with a bank card.”
Cllr Medland urges residents to call 0800 151 0401 or write to Customer Relations Manager, NatWest, PO Box 594, Chatham ME4 9DP to complain about the closure.
Complain to the Ombudsman
He goes on to say,
“What would probably be more effective is to contact the Financial Ombudsman Service where you can fill out a complaint online and where you can point out the fact that the date of the closure is only four weeks after the Ombudsman can normally be first contacted by frustrated members of the public and therefore does not give a chance to halt the closure.
“We need to emphasize that Freshwater is a special case, isolated on three sides with a £9 bus fare needed to visit the Newport branch, with a high proportion of elderly and disabled people. In the last few years virtually all the areas financial services have been withdrawn, Barclays, Nationwide, HSBC the Post Office and the hours at Lloyds reduced.”
Post Office to provide services
As with the HSBC closure, NatWest have come to an agreement with the Post Office allowing personal customers to check their balance as well as deposit and withdraw funds. Business customers will also be able to get coins from the Post Office.
A consultation will take place surrounding a mobile service, which the bank say will be introduced into both communities.
Image: © Google Streetview
