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Petition Signed in Vain as NatWest Slams Neston Door Shut
| Published: 16th January 2015 15:21 |
A meeting between NatWest management, local Councillors and Neston's Chamber of Trade this week began with a resounding negative.
Despite going into the meeting hoping for a discussion on possible alternatives to the complete closure of the Neston branch of NatWest announced here on AboutMyArea in December, optimism was dashed as the local representatives for the town were told in no uncertain terms at the commencement of the meeting that there would be no U-turn by bank bosses.
Instead, the four-strong party of NatWest officers - Rob Taylor (CEO Local Area), Dave Furnival (Director of Business Banking), Russ Finch (CEO North Cheshire & Stockport) and Nicky O'Regan (Area Branch Manager) - stated they were there to discuss ways to help the local community with the transition over the next three months towards the closure.
754 people signed the petition handed to Rob Taylor of NatWest (left) by Cllr Martin Barker(right), but it was to be in vain.
Neston Town Council had requested the meeting and was represented by Cllr Martin Barker (former Town Mayor and Chair of the Council's Town Centre Committee) and Town Centre Manager Katy Pierce. Cllr Barker said after the meeting: "It is very disappointing that the decision is already made and that we were unable to change that, despite what we felt were strong arguments for reconsideration, including looking at alternatives to total closure, such as shorter opening hours.
"We took with us a petition of 754 signatures from local people, organised by Paul Smith, Landlord of the Brewers Arms, and we would like to thank them and everyone else who has shown support for our efforts to alter the situation.
"As a Council we will continue to try and negotiate in situations like this - we would hope that in future any such business decisions that have a potential impact on the fortunes of the town might be reached through consultation before the event."
Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Louise Gittins (Little Neston & Burton) also attended the meeting. Afterwards she reiterated a point she made forcefully during the meeting: "It is a very sad decision as it increases social isolation, particularly for the elderly and disabled who will find it very difficult if not impossible to travel to the next nearest branch, given the lack of adequate transport provision. Visiting the bank is also, for some people, a regular opportunity to engage with other people, that they now face losing."
The bank's representatives were asked to explain how they had reached the decision and responded by saying that they had a duty to protect the government's investment in the business by ensuring that their operations were streamlined and efficient. Their efforts and investment going forward had to be in locations that saw the most activity. They further stated that there had been no investment in technology in the Neston branch for some years.
When pressed for figures to back up the decision, Rob Taylor revealed that there were, on average, 55,000 transactions a year at the branch - some 1000 per week. However, this was not considered sufficient to avoid the closure and further investment in technology in-branch within the area would likely go towards Ellesmere Port.
The team further stated that their staff, in the next three months, would be on-hand to advise customers to understand the alternatives, such as using the Post Office (NatWest will pay the Post Office to process transactions for them) and going online or mobile for banking needs.
Speaking after the meeting, Neston & District Chamber of Trade representative Carrie Spacey said: "It is crushingly disappointing that, yet again, a big business has looked solely at the bottom line. Also that they are willing to take three months now to tell us how to find the Post Office or go online, but took no time at all to consult locally prior to the announcement.
"None of us expect such a business to act as a charity, but some intelligent solutions in the future such as looking at alternative ways to keep local branches viable by integrating them within other businesses, would be a refreshing change.
"Many businesses in Neston who currently rely on the branch to pay in or withdraw large quantities of cash now face considerable inconvenience - queues at the Post Office or having to travel to another town, as examples. With time being money, especially for smaller businesses, this will be deeply felt.
"As the owner of a small local business myself, I have no interest in having the name of another town on my cheque books and statements, so I will be switching to another bank."
Town Centre Manager Katy Pierce asked the NatWest team about plans for the building. The answer is that it will be placed on the open market as soon as the branch closes, and signage will be removed. NatWest will work with Locality to try and ensure a speedy sale. They are also willing to work closely with the Town Council to offer the use of the building to local community organisations or 'pop-up shops' as a stop gap, to avoid the building being empty for any length of time. The ATM will remain for the time being, but its future location is open to negotiation, so that any business thinking of purchasing the building need not retain it unless they wish to do so.
Under legislation introduced in 2013, it is now a much simpler, quicker and more streamlined process for personal and small business account holders to switch their bank accounts if they wish to do so. More information can be found on the Payments Council website here.
Related content:
NatWest to Withdraw From Neston
Neston Businesses and Town Council Fight Back Over NatWest Closure
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Comments
BazDave CarterJohn CartlidgeBrilliant idea, perhaps a Friday morning as well. Bank staff are targeted to attract customers. Just depend on willingness of the local branch managers to launch a combined 'campaign' to attract Natwest customers.
Dave Carter
Katie RobsonJohn CartlidgeI was just looking up phone numbers.
Recte NumerareWe shall be reduced to barter in Neston shortly!
Dave CarterKatie RobsonKatie RobsonRecte NumerareRecte NumerareKatie RobsonDave CarterYou need to log in before you can do that! It's only a quick registration process to join the AMA network and completely free.
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