BANKING giant, NatWest has announced it will be permanently closing its Bromsgrove branch.

The bank on High Street is set to close on January 31 next year, it has been confirmed.

NatWest said the branch was only used by six personal customers and 103 business customers on a regular basis in 2021.

Last year 74 per cent of personal customers using the branch also chose to use online banking or their mobile app.

The bank also says comparing January 2018 to January 2022 counter transactions for personal customers have decreased by 59 per cent.

A spokesperson for NatWest 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.”

The nearest branch to Bromsgrove is on Church Green East in Redditch

The nearest free to use cash machines are at Halifax, Lloyds Bank and Santander all based on the High Street.