logo

ProfitAxis

Categories

Related Posts

Natwest to close 53 bank branches in 2025 due, to shift towards digital banking,Which 32 branches are NatWest closing,NatWest bank closures 2025,Is NatWest bank in trouble,NatWest branch locator,NatWest bank near me,How many NatWest branches in UK,NatWest Blackburn opening times

Natwest Bank branch closures | natwest bank closures 2025

  • Author: Profitaxis
  • Published On: January 25, 2025
  • Category:Latest News
return (

NatWest Closures in Blackburn and Surrounding Areas: What You Need to Know

Big changes are coming for NatWest customers in Blackburn and nearby towns as the bank announces new branch closures. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s happening and how it might affect you.

Blackburn: Eanam Branch to Close

NatWest’s Eanam branch in Blackburn will officially close its doors on May 12, 2025. However, the King William Street branch will remain open, providing an alternative for customers in the area. If you’re used to visiting Eanam, now’s the time to start planning for the change and adjusting your routine.

Accrington and Rawtenstall Closures

The news isn’t much brighter for nearby towns:

  • Accrington: The St James Street branch will close on June 5, 2025.
  • Rawtenstall: The Branch Street location is set to shut on May 29, 2025.

For residents in these areas, the loss of local banking services is a tough blow.

Support Measures: Community Pop-Ups

NatWest is taking steps to soften the impact of these closures. In Accrington, the bank plans to introduce a community pop-up after the branch closure. While it’s not a full branch, this initiative aims to provide some essential services and keep local support alive.natwest to close 53 more branches in 2025, part of wider trend towards digital banking

The Bigger Picture: A Changing Banking Landscape

NatWest’s changes come as the banking industry continues its shift toward digital and self-service options. Many banks, including NatWest, are scaling back counter services in favor of mobile apps and ATMs for tasks like cash deposits.

In Blackburn:

  • Barclays: Closed its Darwen Street branch last year and now only operates a stall in The Mall.
  • HSBC: The Church Street branch remains open but no longer offers counter services, following the trend toward automated banking.
  • NatWest: Had been one of the last banks in the area to provide traditional counter services, making these closures even more significant for those who prefer face-to-face banking.

What’s Next?

The closures highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing digital convenience with the needs of local communities, especially older customers or those without easy internet access. While community pop-ups and digital tools offer some alternatives, they’re not a perfect substitute for a fully-staffed branch.

If you’re affected by these changes, now is the time to explore your options, whether it’s switching to a different branch, using online banking, or taking advantage of shared banking hubs and Post Office services.

Share Your Thoughts

What do you think about these closures? Are banks doing enough to support local communities, or should they find a better balance? Share your thoughts in the comments!

return (

Why Are Bank Branches Closing?

The way people manage their finances has evolved significantly in recent years. Over 90% of banking transactions now take place online or via mobile apps, leaving many traditional bank branches underutilized. For banks like NatWest, maintaining these locations in areas with declining customer visits is no longer cost-effective.

A Nationwide Trend

This trend is not limited to NatWest. The UK has seen over 1,200 bank branches closed by major institutions such as Lloyds, Halifax, and the Bank of Scotland in recent years. NatWest’s decision to close more branches in 2025 primarily affects smaller towns and suburban areas where branch usage has dropped to minimal levels.

Customer Support Amid Branch Closures

To minimize the impact on affected customers, NatWest has implemented several measures to ensure continued access to essential banking services:

  • 12-Week Notice: Customers will receive a 12-week advance notice before any branch closure, giving them time to prepare and explore alternative solutions.
  • Shared Banking Hubs: NatWest is introducing shared banking hubs in partnership with the Post Office. These hubs allow customers to access basic banking services from multiple banks in a single location, serving as an essential resource for communities losing their local branches.
  • Post Office Services: NatWest has strengthened its partnership with the Post Office, enabling customers to perform tasks like cash withdrawals and deposits at Post Office locations.

The Future of Banking

NatWest’s decision is part of a broader industry trend as banks prioritize digital channels over physical locations. While this shift offers convenience and efficiency for the majority, it highlights the need for inclusive solutions to support vulnerable groups, including elderly customers and those in rural areas who depend on face-to-face services.

The introduction of shared banking hubs and expanded Post Office services aims to bridge the gap, but it remains to be seen how effectively these measures will address the concerns of impacted communities.

Share Your Thoughts

How do you feel about the increasing reliance on digital banking? Should banks do more to maintain in-person services for those who still rely on them? Let us know in the comments below!

  • Share On: