National Westminster bosses have announced they will be closing the branch on Station Road in Cheadle Hulme citing a reduction in transactions by 30 per cent over the past five years.

This would leave the high street in Cheadle Hulme with just one bank for residents and local businesses.

Commenting on the proposal, Mary said: “I was disappointed to learn of NatWest’s plans to close its branch in Cheadle Hulme.  Our high street is packed with fantastic independent traders and footfall is high so the bank’s decision seems to make little business sense to me.”

As part of the Access to Banking Protocol introduced by the Government in 2015 the bank will now have to go through a period of community engagement before finally setting a date for closure.

Mary added: “I am particularly concerned about the effect that this will have on local businesses and elderly or vulnerable customers who value the face to face services offered in branch. I have contacted the bank and urged them to reconsider the closure, requesting an urgent meeting with senior managers to discuss their plans in more detail and to ensure that the appropriate protocols are being followed.”