Nationwide Building Society vows not to leave two British towns after losing other bank branches

Despite Winsford and Mickleover having populations of 35,000 and 18,000, respectively, Nationwide is now the only financial service provider left in these towns.

Nearly 80 communities across the UK have been left with only a Nationwide branch to carry out financial services, according to the building society.

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Nationwide’s Branch Promise means the building society will remain everywhere they have a branch until at least 2026.

This confirmation comes following a wave of bank branch closures sweeping the UK, including TSB and Santander.

As a result, towns are finding themselves without adequate access to financial services providers which is disproportionately impacting vulnerable and older households.

The building society’s Winsford branch has been a staple of the town since 1971, while residents of Mickleover have been able to access Nationwide’s services since 1980.

According to research from Nationwide, 44 percent of bank customers cite being able to speak to someone face-to-face as the primary reason they value branches.

Jenna Crump, the manager of the Winsford branch, said: “We understand that our customers are not just account holders - they are neighbours, friends, and integral members of the Winsford community.

“The decision to maintain our high street branch reflects Nationwide's unwavering dedication to the local community.

“We remain steadfast in continuing to provide a warm and welcoming environment where customers can receive personalised attention, guidance, and support for their financial needs.

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“High streets need as much support as possible and we look forward to welcoming more Winsford residents to experience what face-to-face banking at their local branch means.”

Due to refusing to close any branches, Nationwide reports itself as the biggest banking network in the UK.

The financial institution rebukes the idea branches are no longer popular with the public as the Mickleover branch has reported a three percent hike in people using its ATM.