THREE Pembrokeshire branches of NatWest bank are to be axed next year following a backdrop of falling customer numbers.

Branches earmarked for closure are Pembroke, on May 21, Milford Haven, on June 21, and Narberth on June 28.

The Cardigan branch is also due to close on May 30.

Haverfordwest, at 10.8 miles from Pembroke, 25.8 miles from Cardigan, 7.3 miles from Milford Haven, and 10.1 miles from Narberth, will remain open.

NatWest has stated the closures come as a result of changes in customer banking usage, with many using services in a different way, including online banking.

Pembroke has seen transactions reduced by 26 per cent since 2012 with now only 57 customers visiting the branch on a weekly basis, with 60 per cent of customers are now choosing to bank digitally with us on a regular basis instead.

In Milford Haven, transactions have reduced by 27 per cent since 2012 with now only 58 customers visiting the branch on a weekly basis.

Narberth has seen a 13 per cent reduction in transactions, with only 49 customers visiting the branch on a weekly basis.

Alternative banking provision has been suggested, including using Post Office banking, community bankers, and a mobile branch service.

Preseli MP Stephen Crabb said: “NatWest customers in Milford Haven will feel deeply let down by this decision. Although more and more banking services are moving online, many customers still prefer the face-to-face interaction of going to their local branch. It is some comfort that NatWest customers can pay money in, take money out and check balances in the local post office, but it is still very disappointing to know NatWest is leaving Milford.

“There is currently a flight of banks from smaller town centres all across Britain as they seek to cut their costs and move more services online. Given the important role they play for local communities, there is a big question here about what kind of branch network will be left in rural areas in years to come. I have written to the chief executive of NatWest to express my concern about this and seek clarification of how they intend to treat the staff currently working at the Milford Haven branch. I hope there will no compulsory redundancies.”

Deputy Mayor of Pembroke Cllr Linda Brown said: “I was extremely surprised and saddened to learn of the proposed closure of the Pembroke Branch of NatWest.

“We have already lost our branch of Lloyds Bank. These are prominent buildings on our Main Street and their loss will have a devastating ef-fect on both our town and the community as a whole.

“We are fortunate to still have a number of alternative financial insti-tutions within the town, but it is extremely inconvenient for custom-ers and business alike to have to switch their accounts elsewhere, par-ticularly as NatWest are also closing their branches in Milford Haven and Narberth.

“As we have seen before, the closure of any and all local businesses which results in loss of employment has a significant knock-on effect to the local economy.”

NatWest stated: “We are communicating with our customers affected by the closure and proactively contacting vulnerable customers and regular branch users. We have extended the time between announcing our decision and the branch closure to six months; this has been done so that we can ensure our customers have enough time to consider the right banking options for them and to give us time to support them one-to-one during the transition.

“We are committed to ensuring our customers and communities are able to continue accessing quality banking services. As part of this, our new Community Banker provides customers with personal assistance and support to access our non-cash services, as well as help with achieving their financial plans and goals – replicating many of the services available in our branches.”