The loss of two more bank branches in the High Peak is being seen as "another blow to residents already battling with rising costs".

Glossop will be left with just one bank, after Natwest announced its intention to close the town’s branch, along with its branch in Buxton. 

The move means across the whole of the High Peak there will be just six left, representing five banks and one building society. 

Lloyds has branches in New Mills and Glossop while Halifax, TSB, Nationwide and the Nottingham Building Society have branches in Buxton. 

Dawn McKenzie, from Citizens Advice Derbyshire Districts, said the announcement was “another blow to residents already battling with rising costs.” 

She said often there is a charge for paying bills in a Post Office, whereas when you pay bills in a bank there is no charge.  

“There is an argument you can do some banking at a post office, but all you can do is pay in cash/cheques, withdraw money and check your account balance.  

“You cannot open a bank account or deal with specific enquiries about your account.” 

Dawn continued: “We will see existing residents and future generations who are not confident with digital banking left vulnerable by relying on keeping large amounts of cash in the house and potentially turning to unsanctioned and predatory forms of finance such as loan sharks.   

“Having less access to financial services will only increase financial exclusion, particularly for the most vulnerable in society.”  

The nearest Natwest from Glossop will be Natwest Hyde which is 6.25 miles away and for Buxton the nearest will be Macclesfield which is 12.34 miles away.  

“Not only will residents lose another bank, it is not clear at this stage if the ATM machines will remain either, potentially cutting off access to cash as well,” added Dawn. 

High Peak MP Robert Largan is urging Natwest to ensure support is provided for customers who are unable to switch to online banking, particularly older and vulnerable customers. 

He is also seeking clarity on what support is in place to staff employed by both branches. 

The borough's MP said: “This is obviously very disappointing news, especially for the regular customers and branch staff.  

“There has been a long running trend of high street bank branch closures, often without sufficient support for customers who are more in need of branch access. 

“I urge NatWest to provide urgent clarity on the future for branch staff and to provide all possible support to their customers who rely on face-to-face banking.” 

Read more from the Glossop Chronicle

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper