Another Lord Street bank in Southport to close its doors to customers

The Royal Bank Of Scotland branch on Lord Street in Southport is closing. 

The bank will shut on the 22rd of March 2022, leaving Southport without any RBS branches.

The firm blamed an increase in people using mobile and online services and decreasing numbers of people using the building itself. 

Customers are instead being asked to use the Nat West branch on Lord Street instead. 

The firm has closed a number of RBS and Nat West branches in Southport in recent years, including in Churchtown and Ainsdale. 

The company said that between 2017 and 2019, counter transactions for personal customers at the branch have decreased by 13% and the branch was used by 24 personal customers on a regular basis in 2019.

Royal Bank Of Scotland customers can use services at the NatWest branch on Lord Street, which is just under a quarter of a mile away, or at the Post Office on Chapel Street, which is a similar distance.

The number of customers using mobile apps increased by 17% between January 2018 and February 2020. 

A Royal Bank of Scotland 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.

“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 firm said it knows that for some customers, the closure of their branch can be a worry, particularly when they are uncomfortable or unable to use our digital banking services.

For many, all they need is a little help, which is why RBS and NatWest have a dedicated support line for customers who are over 60 which is open 8am to 8pm seven days a week with shorter waiting times – 0800 051 4177.

Customer Care experts will be able to guide customers through how to register and use online and mobile services.