Residents of Farnworth are reeling after the announcement of bank closures. Many express concerns about the impact on older customers and the community as a whole.
People are worried, especially older folks. They’ve relied on these banks for years. The closures feel like a real blow to the community.
NatWest’s Market Street branch will close on May 15, followed by Lloyds on May 28. This is happening while Farnworth is undergoing a big transformation. New apartments and shops are popping up, but the loss of banks is overshadowing that progress.
Councillor Sue Haworth is urging the banks to reconsider. She believes the closures ignore the positive changes happening in the town. Many locals share her frustration.
Flo Bell, 78, was shocked to learn about the NatWest closure. She said, “I didn’t think I’d live to see this day.” She worries about how it will affect her and others who aren’t tech-savvy.
Trevor Addison, 73, echoed her concerns. He’s not comfortable with online banking and fears scams. He’ll have to travel to Bolton for banking now, which is a hassle.
Frankie Snow, 56, feels for older residents who can’t use online services. She believes both banks are part of the town’s identity.
Lisa Patterson, 57, and Marilyn Woodfin, 54, are also upset. They see the closures as a loss for the community and worry about job losses.
Michael Daley, 65, has banked with Lloyds for over twenty years. He’s sad about the closure, especially with all the investment in the town. It seems like a step backward for Farnworth.
