A SOUTHEND MP has expressed her disappointment as Natwest has announced it is closing a south Essex branch this year.

Natwest has announced it will be closing its Leigh on Sea Broadway branch in August due to fewer people coming into the bank.

The group says between 2017 and 2019 counter transactions for personal customers have decreased by 15 per cent and was used by just 13  personal customers on a regular basis in 2019.

That same year, 70 per cent of personal customers using the branch also chose to use Online Banking or Natwest's mobile app.

It used data up to 2019 as Natwest says this represents normal branch usage, as 2020 data had been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Southend West MP Anna Firth has said she is very disappointed the branch is closing as she says it will affect businesses and charities.

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She took to Twitter to say: "Very disappointed that Natwest Group Leigh branch is closing.

"Told that only 13 people use just the branch but businesses and charities are also affected and now have to go to Southend.

"We need a Post Office HUB to take its place and restore Lloyds Bank to Leigh-on-Sea too!"

The branch was used by 77 business customers on a regular basis in 2019.

The bank says over the past few years it has invested in more automated pay-in facilities to make things quicker and easier.

Business customers are advised to ask their point of contact, who looks after their account, to let them know what branches are nearest to them and if they are eligible for Natwest's courier service. 

Customers can also use the Post Office and manage their accounts and payments 24/7 with Bankline or Online Banking. 

In the announcement of the closure, a spokesman for Natwest said: "The way people bank with us has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services as customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank.

"Closing a branch is a decision we take very seriously.

"We know it can affect people who are less confident with the alternatives we offer, and we'll always work hard to guide you through the changes and find the best way to serve you from now on."

The Natwest branch in Leigh will close on August 31.