ANOTHER bank is to close in Midsomer Norton later this year.

The closure of the NatWest branch will take place on Friday, October 8, and will leave the town with just one bank — the TSB found on High Street near South Road.

NatWest have published a guide to explain why it decided to close the branch and the next steps that customers can take.

It said the branch saw a 51 per cent decrease in counter transactions between January 2020 and January 2025, and that 69 per cent of personal customers using the branch also chose to use online banking or their mobile app between February 2024 to January 2025.

The bank highlighted the nearest branches where existing customers can conduct their business in Bath, Wells and Bristol, as well as other ways of doing banking, such as through banking hubs, post offices and using nearby cash machines.

NatWest say it will provide education on finding the right local banking services to support people to bank with them once the branch closes.

After the closure, the banking group says it will introduce a community pop-up which will be based in a community venue near to the closing branch, which will be accessible to all for up to 12 weeks.

The move has drawn the ire of local MP Anna Sabine (Liberal Democrats, Frome and East Somerset), who made a statement criticising the decision.

She said: “This is simply not acceptable.

“Access to cash and face-to-face banking is essential - especially for older residents, local businesses, and those without reliable access to online banking, which in a rural area like ours, includes many people.

“I have an urgent meeting with LINK Cash Access tomorrow to challenge this decision, demand a full impact assessment, and consultation with proper alternatives for the community and am contacting NatWest for answers.”