NatWest is to close its branches in Hale and Timperley.
A NatWest spokesman said the decision to close the branches was “difficult”, but that the way people now chose to bank had “changed radically”.
The bank said that the number of transactions at the Hale branch had declined by 17% since 2011, with the number down 29% at the Timperley branch, while in the same period the number of customers choosing to use online banking for their day to day banking needs had risen by 60% and 54% at Hale and Timperley respectively.
Six staff will be affected by the closure of the branches on Ashley Road in Hale and Stockport Road in Timperley.
The Hale branch will close on June 26th next year and Timperley will close two days later on June 28th.
A further seven NatWest branches will be closing in Greater Manchester.
In a statement, the bank said: “We are communicating with our customers affected by this decision and proactively contacting vulnerable and regular branch customers. We have listened closely to feedback from local communities and have extended the time between announcing our decision and the branch closure to six months. This has been done in order to ensure our customers have time to consider the right banking options for them.
“We are committed to ensuring our customers and communities are able to continue accessing quality banking services. As part of this, we have created a Community Banker role to serve the local area, providing customers with personal assistance and support accessing the right banking options for their needs, as well as help with achieving their financial plans and goals.”
Cllr Laura Evans, who represents Village Ward, said the move was “a product of the age we live in”.
Speaking about the Timperley branch closure, she said: “I think it will affect older people and that is unfortunate. Luckily we have two post offices in Timperley.
“I would now ask NatWest what assistance they are going to give to older people and how they can help people use the post office’s services better.”
The news follows HSBC’s recent closure of its Hale branch.
