Farnworth faces a setback as NatWest announces the closure of its Market Street branch, impacting local residents and businesses.
Bolton: So, guess what? NatWest is shutting down its branch in Farnworth, and it’s a real bummer for the town. The Market Street location will close on May 15, and folks are not happy about it.
A spokesperson from NatWest said they looked at a bunch of factors before making this call. They considered how it would affect customers, the area’s financial situation, and the nearest alternatives. But still, it feels like a punch to the gut.
Ward councillor Sue Haworth is really pushing back, saying this closure is unwelcome. She pointed out that there’s a lot of positive change happening in Farnworth, like new apartments and community hubs. It’s like, why close a branch when the town is buzzing with activity?
She’s asking NatWest to rethink this decision. After all, we want people to come to Farnworth, not leave for banking services elsewhere. It’s all about keeping the foot traffic up!
Other local councillors are also calling for a banking hub in Farnworth, where different banks could offer services together. That could really help the community out.
And get this, the nearest NatWest branch will now be in Bolton, about three miles away. It’s not just Farnworth; banks are closing left and right across the country. In January alone, 81 banks shut down or announced closures.
Since February 2022, a whopping 1,822 bank branches have either closed or are set to close. It’s a tough time for banking, and local communities are feeling the heat.
