A ‘SHARP decline’ in the use of a Holmes Chapel bank is being blamed for its closure.

NatWest in London Road will shut its doors on Tuesday, June 25, but there are no plans for any job losses.

The Middlewich branch is also set to set to close on June 24.

Staff work flexibly between branches, but the decision affects around 10 employees and hundreds of customers.

A spokesman for NatWest said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close our Holmes Chapel and Middlewich branches due to a sharp decline in their use.

“We have advised staff, and are helping our customers to make alternative arrangements.

“We have a number of alternative branches in the area and a range of other options our customers can use to access their accounts.

“These include our NatWest mobile phone applications, online and telephone banking services and the use of any Post Office to pay bills, withdraw cash and check balances.”

Clr Les Gilbert said: “It is always sad to lose a facility valued by residents and businesses, but I suspect most of us now rely on internet or telephone banking and have very limited need for a face-to-face service.

“I envisage there could be difficulties for residents and retailers who need a local paying-in facility, but this closure presents an opportunity for the remaining bank in the village and the Post Office, which will hopefully enhance their viability.”