NatWest says it has taken ‘the difficult decision’ to shut its counter service in Fore Street on Wednesday, March 11, because of lack of use.

MP Neil Parish has called on NatWest Bank to reconsider its plans to close its Seaton branch.

He has joined local people in condemning the move and has written to local CEO Donna Edmonds urging her to reverse the decision.

The bank says it has taken ‘the difficult decision’ to shut its counter service in Fore Street on Wednesday, March 11, because of lack of use.

Since the announcement, Seaton mayor Gaynor Sedgwick and Seaton and District Chamber of Commerce chairman Marcus Hartnell have held a fruitless meeting with Ms Edmonds to ask her to halt the closure.

They told her although an ATM will remain and a mobile unit will visit Seaton on a Monday, for one hour only, this is ‘wholly inadequate’.

This week, Cllr Sedgwick called on the town council to write a formal protest and point out the bank had not taken into account that:

? Seaton is a regeneration town, one of only two in East Devon.

? There has been significant investment in the town in recent years.

? Bovis Homes are building a new housing estate.

? There are potentially several new developments in the pipeline including a gym and dance studio, retail units and apartments.

? The Jurassic Coast Centre is expected to attract thousands of additional visitors to Seaton.

? The closure of this bank leaves the town with only one other bank.

? Customers do not wish to travel to other towns to do their banking.