Trowbridge residents have lamented the upcoming loss of the NatWest branch from the town’s high street after its closing date was announced.
On Tuesday, June 10, the Wiltshire Times reported that NatWest has published a list of branch closures, with a number of Wiltshire branches set to be axed, including Chippenham and Trowbridge.
The Wiltshire bank closures are among 55 nationwide, with a swathe of town centres across the UK to say goodbye to vital banking resources.
The bank has confirmed the Trowbridge branch at 62 Fore Street will close its doors for good on October 16, 2025.
The announcement has instigated a reaction of disappointment in the decision with Wiltshire Times readers expressing their disappointment that the branch would soon close.
Pauline Dennis said: “So sad the staff there have always been great and I use the branch regularly for withdrawing cash.”
Tony Smith said: “Be even less reason to go into town then. No more banks, no more community.
“People need to realise doing stuff online is killing the community and the infrastructure. we should look after local shops and banks not just close them and go to the Internet instead.
“£5 spent in a local business or stay local. £5 spent on the Internet will end up. God knows where.”
Charlie Pearce added: “Think I will change to one of the others in Trowbridge Halifax or Lloyds n HSBC”
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Julie Locks said: “At the very time we really need to be able to talk to a 'person' because of all the scams and problems they decide to do this.”
One unnamed user speculated on the possible future of the building.
They commented: “May I suggest that this, once prestigious, building would never get planning permission to make any great changes to its frontage. It might even be a listed building. This virtually rules out charity shop etc.
“I suggest it might possibly be converted into prestigious offices but I think it is much more likely to go the same way as Barclays Bank and remain empty for a very long time until the government finds some way of making use of these fine old buildings at a price people can afford.
“This lovely old building must cost a bomb to maintain and heat so hugely expensive renovation is required!!
“It will probably join BHF opposite, M&Co in Silver Street, Little Earth Cafe and lots more buildings and sites.
“Why renovate them when no-one can afford to buy or rent them! Those people who have got the money aren't ever going to move to the centre of Trowbridge!”
In response to a request for comment on the closure, a spokesperson for NatWest said: “Our customers are using digital banking more than ever before – over 80 per cent of our active current account holders now use our digital services and over 97 per cent of retail accounts with us are now opened online.
“Our customers appreciate the speed and convenience of digital banking for everyday transactions, and often, when it comes to making bigger, more complex decisions they value speaking to our skilled and experienced colleagues.
“Our Customer Support Specialists proactively contact branch users who we know may need additional support when a branch closes and where there’s a need we install Community Pop-Ups to help customers become familiar with alternative banking services.”
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