8 hours ago
'They're always busy so why close?' - customers react to town bank closure
Locals in a Gwent town who bank with NatWest are losing their local branch and have spoken out about the decision.
Cwmbran NatWest customers were left disappointed by the 'ridiculous' news that the Gwent Square branch is shutting.
The branch. which operates in the shopping centre. is the only NatWest within the town.
NatWest Cwmbran in Gwent Square is closing down (Image: NQ) Now its closure has been announced for September 1 as part of 50 more branch closures and a wider trend of banks closing their high street presences in towns across the UK.
This means that customers can either switch to online banking or travel further afield to the nearest branch in Newport.
The Argus went out in Cwmbran to ask local views on the closure.
Christine Davies 72 was interviewed about NatWest Cwmbran (Image: NQ) Christine Davies aged 72 was 'disgusted' by the move.
'I won't travel to Newport. I'm absolutely disgusted with them closing because in my mind they're always busy so why close?" she said.
'It's ridiculous. We've got the post office that we can get cash from but still it's nice to go into a proper bank.'
Like many people, Christine is not confident with online banking. She said: 'I don't do anything online. I'm absolutely useless with technology so it's very disappointing.'
18-year-old Evie Phillips was interviewed about NatWest Cwmbran (Image: NQ) At 18, Evie Phillips is of a younger generation but shared the concerns.
'I think it has quite a huge impact because obviously there's so many people who are with NatWest it's such a big bank," she said.
'I know it's affected my family, and the most local one is Newport it's not ideal.'
Many people were reluctant to travel to Newport.
Alun Barwell 80, and Margret Barwell 79 were interviewed about NatWest Cwmbran (Image: NQ) Alun Barwell 80, and Margret Barwell 79, have lived in the area their whole lives.
Although they don't personally bank with NatWest the idea of travelling to a different location wasn't something they were on board with.
Margret said: 'I wouldn't go all the way to Newport. It's no good me doing it online because I haven't got a clue.'
Alun added: 'I never buy anything online anyway, because I come into town, I'm computer illiterate.'
Joanne Day 48 was interviewed about NatWest Cwmbran (Left Michael Powell 60) (Image: NQ) Joanne Day, 48, and her mother are both NatWest customers. Joanne said: "It's going to be a bit of a nightmare isn't it because you've got to get on public transport now.
'My mother is 75, she wouldn't have a clue to use the app or anything like that she likes to go into the bank and pay her money in and draw it out over the counter.
'I'll manage with online banking, but my mum won't, so I'll have to help her.'
Alun Barwell 80, and Margret Barwell 79 were interviewed about NatWest Cwmbran (Image: NQ) Also, unimpressed on the idea of online banking was Ian Harris, 72, and Lorraine Harris, 70.
Ian said: 'People are very nervous when using online banking they don't trust it and there's so many scams today.
'I was caught out by one once but thankfully my bank Santander sorted it out for me.'
Lorraine added: 'I think the same I don't use anything personal online.'
Ian also explained this would impact people financially.
'If people have to travel further to find out what's happening with their money, they are going to incur more expenses. A lot of people are struggling to live now.'
The interior of NatWest Cwmbran (Image: NQ) A spokesperson for NatWest said: 'We've recently announced that we're closing some branches. There's many other ways to continue banking with us.
'Banking has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services, as our customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank.
"Closing a branch is a decision we take very seriously.'
