NATWEST will close its bank in Westhoughton after a decline in its use.

The branch in Market Street will close on June 13 next year.

A spokesman for the business said it “had taken the hard decision to close the store” after a 29 per cent decline in the number of transactions since 2011.

The company also revealed that 60 per cent of the branches customers are actively choosing to use online and or mobile banking for their day to day banking needs.

Councillor David Chadwick said he is “really disappointed” at the news.

He added: “People expect there to be a banking facility in town and my understanding is that it is quite well used.

“It is a very big building and one of the features of Market Street.

“I will be very disappointed if it does close.

“It is just another example of big corporations not looking after its customers.

“Market Street is really beginning to thrive, the market as well and Aldi is also coming shortly.

“This is the bank thinking only short term and not looking at the long term future of the town.”

The nearest Natwest bank to Westhoughton residents is Leigh, more than four miles away, but a Natwest spokesman added that branch users can also pay money in and take money out at any of the five Post Office’s within three miles of the branch and at the 10 ATMs within one mile.

Up until the closure a digital expert will also be on hand in the branch to educate customers on how to make online and mobile transactions.

The spokesman added: “The way people choose to bank with us has changed radically over the last few years. Between 2010 and 2015, mobile and online transactions have increased by over 400% and mobile transactions alone have increased by 1,350%.

We are communicating with our customers affected by the closure and proactively contacting vulnerable and regular branch customers.

We have listened closely to feedback from local communities and have extended the time between announcing our decision and the branch closure to six months.

We know that not all of our customers are comfortable and familiar with using online or mobile banking, so we have created a new specialist taskforce of digital experts who will be dedicated to supporting our customers with training and support with digital skills.”