Three branches of NatWest in Pembrokeshire are facing closure.

The closure of the Pembroke, Narberth and Milford Haven branches are part of NatWest’s changes in customer banking usage, with many using services in a different way, including online banking.

The Main Street branch in Pembroke will close on May 21.

The bank says 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 now choosing to bank digitally on a regular basis.

The closure of the NatWest Bank in Narberth is being opposed by councillors in the town.

Clr. Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers said at Tuesday night’s meeting of the council that although she had been informed nothing could be done and the branch in High Street was closing on June 28, ‘we have got to try.’

“There will be no cash machine on the High Street,” she added.

“We need to write to NatWest and say it is not on,” commented Clr. Mrs. Sue Rees.

“Narberth is up and coming and the businesses need a bank,” she said.

The closure is part of NatWest’s changes in customer banking usage, with many using services in a different way, including online banking.

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

MP Simon Hart said: “I am very disappointed to hear that these rural communities are suffering the loss of yet another service - NatWest customers in Pembroke will now face a 20-mile round trip to Haverfordwest if they want to do their banking. This will be a nightmare for the many small businesses who rely on their local bank for day-to-day services.

“I am in the process of setting up a meeting with the bank - they are unwilling to have a public meeting but will meet with community leaders and this will take place in the near future. If anyone has any concerns they would like to raise with the bank about this issue then they can contact Catrin Davies, the area manager, on 07552 260014 or [email protected].”