NATWEST's branch in Maindee is set to close in November, along with branches in Usk and Crickhowell.

A bank spokesman said they had taken the "difficult decision" after seeing a reduction in the number of people using the branches.

As yet there is no word on how many job losses this is likely to entail.

Maindee's branch will close on November 19 while Usk will shut its doors on November 26.

The spokesman added they had come to an arragement allowing people to access money, check their balance and deposit money at Post Office counters.

He added there were 75 free to use ATMs within 1 mile of the Maindee branch, saying: "We are working hard to ensure there are a number of alternative ways for people in the area to continue to bank with us".

NatWest said the number of transactions taking place in Maindee has dropped by 19 per cent since 2011 and only 95 customers use the branch on a regular weekly basis.  71 of these customers already use other branches in the area. 

The spokesman added: "We have a strong branch representation in the local area There are three other branches within 10 miles.  We will be investing up to £600,000 in our nearest branch, Newport Gwent High Street, which is 0.8 miles away, this year."

In Usk, the number of transactions has dropped by 32 per cent since 2011 and only 18 customers use the branch on a regular weekly basis.  Eight of these customers already use other branches in the area

Other branches: There are 2 other branches within 10 miles.  We will be investing up to £600,000 in our nearest branch, Abergavenny Monmouth & District branch, which is 6.0 miles away, this year.

The NatWest statement continued: "We are committed to following the UK Government protocol on branch closures, and we have made the decision following careful consideration of a wide range of factors including branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us locally. 

 

"Our customers are increasingly using alternative ways to bank with them such as online and mobile banking.  As a result, branch transactions have declined by around 36 per cent since 2010 whilst online and mobile transactions have grown by more than 300 per cent. Only 9 per cent of their total transactions are now undertaken in branches in comparison to 25 per cent in 2010. 

"We are writing to all of our customers who use the branch, as well as displaying posters in branch to let them know of the closure. Between now and the closure date, we will engage with all of our customers, local businesses and the wider local community to make sure they are aware of the alternative ways of accessing their banking with us in the local area, and to answer any questions they might have."