Unite the Union and Kate Osamor MP are trying to persuade NatWest to halt the planned closure on 4th September

NatWest in Fore Street and (inset) Kate Osamor MP

A campaign has been launched to save one of the last bank branches on an Edmonton high street.

NatWest announced earlier this year that it planned to close its Angel Edmonton branch, as one of 48 closures around the country, following a 50% decrease in the number of counter transactions for personal customers and with only 18 people said to be using the branch on a weekly basis last year.

But Unite the Union, which represents staff at the Fore Street bank, has launched a campaign to persuade NatWest to halt the closure before the planned axe falls on 4th September.

Edmonton and Winchmore Hill MP Kate Osamor has also joined the union in calling on the bank to reverse its decision, saying it would “have a detrimental impact on these businesses and thus our high street as a whole”.

The only other bank branch in the area is Halifax.

Speaking to the Dispatch, Unite’s regional officer Will Searby said he feared the closure of NatWest could lead to the “death of the high street” in Angel Edmonton and added: “We know that a lot of local businesses are dependent on NatWest for getting cash for their floats and tills.

“It is also a social amenity for people, the fact that there are staff in the bank branch who can speak Turkish, they can really help people. NatWest made more than enough profit last year to keep its branch network open, it is a corporate decision to maximise profits at the cost of the services they provide to their customers.”

Customers of the Angel Edmonton branch have been advised to use NatWest branches in either Wood Green or Palmers Green instead. There is also a branch in Enfield Town.

But in a letter to NatWest, Osamor recently wrote: “The proposed closure would mean that there is no Natwest branch in my constituency, forcing many to many to travel to access facilities. This will simply not be possible for many, especially those who are more likely to rely on the physical presence of a bank like those who are elderly or have disabilities.

“Edmonton also has a significant number of small businesses that I know rely on the services provided by the local bank branches. These businesses help fuel economic growth and contribute to the vibrancy of Edmonton. With the high street already struggling following the pandemic, I am concerned that the closure of the Natwest branch will have a detrimental impact on these businesses and thus our high street as a whole.

“I understand that banking practices are evolving and that there is a push towards digital services. However, it is important to balance this with the needs of all customers and the community as a whole. Face-to-face services remain a crucial aspect of banking for many people in Edmonton and this fact cannot be ignored.”

In the official statement to its customers in April NatWest said: “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.

“We know it can affect those less confident with alternatives we offer. We’ll always work hard to guide and support you through the changes and find the best way to serve you from now on.”

As part of the campaign to save the NatWest branch in Angel Edmonton, a petition has been launched by Unite and a community meeting has also been organised at Boundary Hall in Snells Park for Monday (19th) from 7.30pm.

To sign the petition and find out more about the campaign to save NatWest in Angel Edmonton:
Email [email protected]
Visit megaphone.org.uk/petitions/support-your-local-bank-branch

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