Bank closures a ‘huge blow’ to community

A BUSINESS leader says it’s a huge blow after it was revealed that one of Dorchester’s few banks is to close.

NatWest has confirmed it will be shutting the doors of its branch in South Street permanently in October.

Bridport’s East Street branch will shut a week after the Dorchester branch, meaning West Dorset will be left completely without access to a NatWest bank.

It has not been disclosed how many jobs will be affected.

It comes as Lloyds is set to close its central county town branch this month.

Phil Gordon, who is Director of the Dorchester BID said the community will be lost, following the announcement of the closure.

He said: “I’m very, very disappointed and sad by all of the national banks that have decided to leave us to our own devices on the high street.

“It’s the loss of the personal service and not being able to go and talk to your local bank manager and team. It’s not just a generational issue; there are several people that value that service and contact. I think there is great opportunity for another bank, to realise that they could steal a march of several hundreds or thousands of customers that are getting more disillusioned with local branches closing down.”

(Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

To be able to use all services that the bank provides, Dorchester customers will now have to travel to the Weymouth branch, on St Thomas Street, which is 8.16 miles away. The second nearest branch is then in Yeovil, Somerset.

Following the decision to close, NatWest says customers are using digital banking ‘more than ever before’ and is responding to an ‘industry wide shift towards digital services by investing to broaden what customers can do themselves.’

Steve Bulley, President of Dorchester Chamber for Business added: “It is a blow to Dorchester businesses that rely on NatWest branch banking, especially as Lloyds Bank is closing in June, leaving just one Bank in the county town. Our members have had to migrate to digital banking services over time but many tell us they do require branch services.

“Any closure in the town centre is another reason not to come in and enjoy the great mix of shops and businesses we have and will undoubtedly have an impact at a time when we all need to support our town centres.

“The closure will create vacant space in a prime position adjacent to forthcoming new Premier Inn, which could be attractive, although the former Halifax branch has been vacant for some time.”

(Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

Nearby banking hubs located inside Post Offices will be available to handle some banking queries in Victoria Park, Dorchester and Poundbury, but not all banking facilities are available there.

It is currently unknown how many jobs will be lost or if redundancies in Dorchester and Bridport will be made.

Dorchester’s branch is due to shut on October 22 followed by Bridport on October 29.