A SOUTHAMPTON bank will close its doors for the last time this year.

Natwest has confirmed that the branch in Shirley will be closing this October.

The bank on Shirley Road will officially close on October 4.

In a statement available on the Natwest website, they claim that the way they bank "is changing".

"With the ease of mobile and online banking, fewer people are coming into the bank," it says.

Daily Echo: Natwest Shirley.

"This means we’ve had to make some tough choices about which can stay open.

"So, we want to make sure that we keep the branches people are using most."

At the Shirley branch, data from Natwest shows that between January 2019 and 2023, counter transactions have dropped by 63 per cent.

The banking giant claims that the branch was used by 10 personal customers on a regular basis during 2022.

A spokesperson from Natwest said: "We completely understand that online banking isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes you want to chat things through with someone.

"We promise that you’ll still be able to talk to one of our team either on the phone, by video or in one of our other branches.

"We’ve put together a leaflet to guide you through the changes, but if you’ve got any questions at all just ask one of our team.

"They’ll be on hand to help you find ways you can bank that best suit your needs. We’re also here for anyone who’d like help in getting started with online banking or our app."

Natwest says that average counter transactions have reduced by 60 per cent between January 2019 and January 2023.

The number of customers using the mobile apps has increased by 49 per cent in the same timeframe, the bank claims.

The banking giant is set to close 32 more of its branches across the UK this year.