Local MP Robbie Moore has condemned the closure of a Natwest bank branch in Keighley this week, calling the move a 'blow for local banking access'.
Responding to the closure, Robbie Moore MP said:
The closure of NatWest in Keighley is yet another blow for local banking access and leaves another historic town centre building empty.
It is unacceptable that we continue to lose these vital services - a strong town centre relies on businesses and residents, particularly some of our most vulnerable, being able to access cash and in-person banking support.
My focus remains on fighting for a full banking hub in Keighley—one that allows all major banks to offer in-person services, including cash transactions.
This model has already worked in places like Otley and Knaresborough, and there is no reason why Keighley should be left behind.
Current rules mean that banking hubs can only be set up once the last remaining bank has shut its doors.
That is simply not good enough.
I will be lobbying central government to change these rules so that communities like Keighley do not have to wait until they have lost every bank branch before action is taken.
Following this latest closure announcement, I have reached out to NatWest and Link to ensure customers are supported. I will also continue pushing for urgent changes to banking hub eligibility so that we can deliver the banking services Keighley desperately needs
