A BRANCH of a bank in Wibsey, Bradford, will not re-open after NatWest refused to reverse its closure decision.

In a letter to Bradford South MP Judith Cummins, the bank confirmed the closure of the Fair Road branch would remain permanent, despite an outcry from residents and businesses.

A petition to save the bank was also set up by the Wibsey Labour Party.

BANKS MUST TRY TO KEEP BRANCHES OPEN

But NatWest said the safety and security of its customers and staff was of "utmost importance" following two armed robberies at the branch last year.

A spokesman for the bank yesterday reiterated a statement already issued by the bank, and said: "Due to the recent security incidents at NatWest Wibsey branch which resulted in a temporary closure, we have taken the difficult decision to permanently close the branch.

"The safety and security of our customers and staff are of utmost importance to us and unfortunately several incidents over the last few months, including two raids , have resulted in this being compromised. Please be assured that this is a decision we have not come to lightly, but we feel we have no alternative.

"We are writing to all of our customers, and will also display posters in the branch window. We will work hard to engage with all of our customers, local businesses and the wider local community to ensure they are aware of the alternative ways of accessing their banking with us in the local area, and to answer any questions they might have.

"No members of staff will be at risk of losing their job as a result of this decision, and they will continue to work from other branches in the local area."

John Drake, secretary of the Wibsey Labour Party, said: "The local community is clearly angered and frustrated by NatWest's decision to close the branch.

"During this campaign we have heard from many of the bank's own customers who simply do not accept NatWest's view that the services previously offered by the branch on Fair Road are easily available elsewhere, nor, quite frankly, are they convinced by the reasons put forward for the closure.

"There is a great deal of scepticism that will only be reinforced by the news that NatWest has chosen to ignore the views of residents and business owners and permanently turn their back on Wibsey."

The Wibsey Labour Party also said NatWest had rejected assurances on policing and security in the area from the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson.

Councillor Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey) said: "Twenty-eight businesses in Wibsey hosted the petition, most told us of the costs they now have to bear resulting from this closure, serious costs and inconvenience, added to that many older residents have lost valued face to face contact, and are not happy to be told to go online to do their banking."