A Norfolk town is set to lose another major bank branch later this year.

NatWest has announced it will close its branch on the corner of Market Place and Bridge Street in Fakenham on August 10, due to falling customer numbers and the shift to online banking. 

A NatWest spokesperson said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.

“We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind.

Fakenham & Wells Times: NatWest is the second bank in four months to annouce its clousre in Fakenham - following HSBCNatWest is the second bank in four months to annouce its clousre in Fakenham - following HSBC (Image: Archant)

 “We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”

The bank says counter transactions have plummeted by 54pc between 2019 and 2022.

The bank will run a support line for customers over 60 - open every day 8am to 8pm - to talk them through how to register and use the bank’s online and mobile services.

The number is 0800 051 4176.

NatWest said it had also teamed up with the Post Office to provide face-to-face banking services.

The nearest NatWest branch for Fakenham will be at 32 Market Place, Dereham - 12 miles away.

Fakenham & Wells Times: HSBC in FakenhamHSBC in Fakenham (Image: Archant 2022)

The closure adds to the banking woes in the town after HSBC announced late last year it was set to close its Market Place branch.

It was suggested that the former bank could become Fakenham’s new permanent post office, which has been replaced with a pop-up service following its closure in January 2020.