NatWest set to close March Broad Street branch this summer
March is losing yet another business with the announcement that NatWest bank is closing its branch in Broad Street.
The bank will shut its doors for the final time on July 25 with a drop in footfall blamed for the decision.
The move comes just days after it was announced that neighbouring QD Stores is to close in May.
A pdf outlining the facts and figures of the branch and why it is closing posted to the NatWest website explained that only two personal customers used it on a regular basis in 2021 and only 111 business customers visited regularly.
It said that comparing January 2019 and January 2022 counter transactions for personal customers had decreased by 66%.
It said: "With the ease of mobile and online banking fewer people are coming into the bank. This means we’ve had to make some tough choices about which can stay open.
"We completely understand that online banking isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes you want to chat things through with someone. We promise that you’ll still be able to talk to one of our team either on the phone, by video or in one of our other branches.
"Closing a branch is always difficult and not a decision that we ever take lightly.
We look at: the likely impact on customers. How often customers use the branch – and the transactions they’re making; their banking preferences; where the nearest branch and nearest cash machines are; is there a local Post Office for everyday banking? all the other banking options: online, mobile, telephone and video banking."
Letters have been sent to branch customers explaining the decision and asking people to get in touch with concerns and to talk through the bank's decision.
Discount retailer Quality Discounts (QD), which currently employs eight members of staff is closing after bosses decided it is no longer “viable” - it was announced earlier this week.
Karl Ottolangui, QD group operations director, said: “Sales have continued to dwindle due to a significant decrease in footfall in the town centre and, therefore, we have had to take the very difficult decision to close the store.”
The news comes after QD closed its furniture store on March High Street last summer with falling sales also blamed for its closure.
All the March staff have been offered jobs in other QD stores.
Mr Ottolangui said: “The store on Broad Street has been part of the retail landscape in March for many years and we have built up a very loyal customer base.
“We’d like to say thank you to all of them for choosing to shop with us in the town.”
The QD store in Wisbech Market Place will remain open.
