Fakenham mayor says banks closure is a blow for town

Angela Glynn, Fakenham's mayor, was speaking after NatWest announced it was closing its Market Place branch in the town later this year - adding to the announcement that HSBC is also set to shut its Fakenham branch in 2023. 

Mrs Glynn said: “It is regrettable, but it seems to be the way the banks are moving society towards being cashless, even though not all of society wants to go that way. 

Angela Glynn, Mayor for Fakenham (Image: Archant)

“Losing another bank is definitely a blow for the town.

“I think Fakenham is some way off being a bankless town from what I have heard. But, it is a worry to think we might lose all the banks, but it seems some way off, I do not think we are there yet.” 

The town will now be left with three major banks, Nationwide, Lloyds Bank, and Barclays still operating at the time of writing. 

Fakenham also has a Post Office, where some banking can be done.

But even this service has been ‘pop-up’ since February 2020 following the closure of the Post Office branch in Martin's newsagents in Millers Walk.

HSBC in Fakenham (Image: Archant 2022)

It had been suggested that the building in which HSBC currently operates could become the town’s new permanent post office. 

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.

NatWest in Fakenham (Image: Google Maps)

“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.”