NatWest shutting 23 branches in huge blow for Britain's high streets - full list

NatWest has announced the closure of 23 branches across the country in the bank's latest move in transitioning its services online.

The UK's second biggest lender has scheduled the closures to take place from April to June.

In October, NatWest announced that it would close 43 branches across Britain this year, with 13 already closed this month.

NatWest said the "vast majority" of its retail banking services can be done digitally and it is the quicker and easier way to bank.

Following the bank's closure announcement last year, the average counter transactions had shrunk by nearly two-thirds in just two years, between January 2019 and January this year.

Sites including Frome, Bootle, Stroud and Blackpool are set to close, NatWest said.

NatWest are set to close a further 23 branches in its latest transition to move services online
Yui Mok

The company has stressed that it has a helpline to guide customers through setting up online and mobile services, with a shorter waiting time for the over-60s.

It comes just a week after Lloyds Banking Group said it would close 40 Halifax and Lloyds sites in England and Wales.

The latest announcement means 87 branches have been slated for closure by high street banks so far this year.

A NatWest spokesperson said: "As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it's faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.

"We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren't right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind.

"We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them."

NatWest will close 23 of its branches between April and June this year
Jonathan Brady

The full list of 23 branches set to close in 2023 include:

Southampton – Bitterne Road – April 25

Blackpool – Lytham Road – April 25

London – Clapham High Street – April 26

Stroud – Bank Buildings – April 26

Fleet – Fleet Road – April 27

Heslington – Main Street – April 27

Dunstable – High Street North – May 3

Maidstone – Sutton Road – May 4

Exeter – St Thomas Centre – May 9

Bootle – Stanley Road – May 10

Crawley – Gatwick Road – May 11

Frome – Market Place – May 11

Broadwater – Broadwater Street East – May 16

Colwyn Bay – Abergele Road – May 17

Ilminster – East Street – May 18

London – Marylebone High Street – May 23

Sheerness – High Street – May 24

Llansamlet – Phoenix Way – May 25

Cranbrook – High Street – May 30

Torquay – Newton Road – May 31

Birstall – Loughborough Road – June 1

Horwich – Lee Lane – TBC

Shoreham-by-Sea – East Street – TBC