Several banks across Bracknell Forest and Wokingham have now announced they will be closing after mass closures across the country.

So far, throughout the last few years, Halifax, Barclay’s, Nat West, and TSB have announced bank closures.

Most recently, Halifax, in Bracknell town centre has announced that it will be the latest to close on November 28, 2023, following plans to close multiple branches across the UK.

Smaller communities within Berkshire have even seen the disappearance of banks on their high street.

In 2022, Barclay’s was the last bank to close in Ascot despite the constantly busy branch on the high street. Following the closure of TSB, older Ascot residents are now forced to travel to Windsor or Bracknell for bank services.

Full closures of branches in Bracknell Forest and Wokingham

  • Nat West, Wokingham – Closed February 9, 2023
  • Halifax, Bracknell – Set to close November 28, 2023
  • Barclay’s, Ascot – Closed November 3, 2022
  • TSB, Ascot – June 10, 2021

Banks have been announcing closures in their masses after there has been a move to online and mobile banking, meaning fewer people are using banks in person.

Age UK has previously raised concern about rising bank closures, stating that "hundreds of thousands of older people" are being left without convenient access to basic banking services.

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK Charity Director, said:  “The scale of the bank branch cull over recent years only seems to be getting worse. The torrent of closures is a serious blow for the millions of older people who rely on branches, particularly those who are not online or confident with mobile banking.

"This blow is exacerbated when closures coincide with poor public transport locally, a lack of ATMs, substandard internet service, and mobile black spots, making it extremely difficult for customers to access their money.

“The new shared Banking Hubs are a significant step in the right direction, but with so many branches disappearing the banks need to seriously pick up the pace of the rollout and ensure that older people are not left living in banking deserts, and those who desperately need physical banking services can continue to access them.”

Speaking about the impact, a NatWest spokesperson said: “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.”