NatWest have announced their intention to close their branch in Rustington on the 25th of July, with the next nearest permanent branches left in central Worthing and Chichester and leaving residents in Arun severely limited with their access to in-person banking.
I have asked for an urgent meeting with representatives of NatWest to discuss the issue, to which I will be inviting concerned constituents.
I have asked them to check their statistics: they have stated previously that they had 200-odd customers in some periods, but only five personal customers in a week. When I visited, there were at least ten customers within the space of 15 minutes far outstripping the statistics they offered.
My view is it will leave too big a gap in the village and surrounding communities, Rustington is a fair-sized place and there is no banking hub nearby. Rustington, East Preston, Angmering and Ferring residents rely on the counter services. Cllr Shaun Gunner has already made the case abundantly clear.
Many local residents are not online, they are used to being able to talk to somebody about financial issues and to have readily available access to cash and in-person banking services.
I will ask NatWest if they will cancel this proposed closure or, at least, delay their decision until there is a banking hub or sufficient arrangements for customers.
I say to them don’t walk away when people from all surrounding communities clearly benefit from having a bank branch in Rustington.
For information on my longstanding campaign to protect access to cash and in-person banking services, please visit my page: https://www.sirpeterbottomley.com/.../campaign-protect...
