NATWEST is pulling out of Knutsford as the company moves to mobile and online banking.

The announcement to shut the King Street branch on August 2 will leave the town with no bank.

Customers have described the decision as ‘disgraceful’ and have taken to social media to vent their anger and disappointment.

READ > Cyclist air lifted to hospital after being seriously injured in crash

One man said: “I’ve been with Natwest for over 50 years and the branch in Knutsford has been the one reason I haven’t changed banks.”

Another customer added: “This is really sad. I go in frequently and the staff in there are lovely.”

One resident said: "It's disgraceful. No banks left in Knutsford now, forcing people to bank online."

One woman said: “I’m sad for the older generation who like to go to the bank to speak face to face with staff rather than log on.

“My 92-year-old dad still has a cheque book and drives to Knutsford to go to the bank weekly.”

Customers say this branch was only recently refurbished.

The bank has written to all customers notifying them of the closure and providing information about the proposed changes.

Natwest says transactions for personal customers have fallen by 40 per cent at the Knutsford branch between January 2019 and January 2022.

The branch was used by nine personal customers and 166 business customers on a regular basis in 2021.

A Natwest spokesman 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.”

Customers are advised that they can use their debit card to check their balance, withdraw and pay in cash at the Post Office.

Cheque and cash deposits can be made with a barcoded credit slip and customers can withdraw up to their daily card limit or £500 maximum.

Business customers can use the change giving service which enables them to swap notes for coins or higher notes for £5 notes.

Free to use cash machines are available at Sainsbury’s Local, Canute Place and the Co-op and Waitrose on Princess Street.