Bid to remove signs and cash machine ahead of Halifax bank closure despite MP's protest
Moves are being made to leave a Halifax town centre building ready for a new use when a bank closes there later this year.
As reported by the Courier, NatWest has announced it is shutting its branch on Waterhouse Street on June 18.
The planned closure has been met with dismay from residents and the town’s MP Kate Dearden, who has written to NatWest’s CEO raising concerns.
Now a planning application has been submitted requesting permission to remove all external signage, cash machines, a night safe, internal stud partitions and counters from the listed building.
Statements submitted with the application say: “The proposed works are a result of the bank’s closure and form part of essential decommissioning”.
They also say: “The changes are essential to facilitate a new use for the building, ensuring its continued occupation and preservation.
"They are minimal, reversible, and sensitive to the building’s historic character.
"The approach aligns with Historic England guidance on the conservation of listed buildings, particularly in maintaining adaptability and avoiding unnecessary harm.”
As well as holding an urgent meeting with NatWest, Halifax’s MP has launched a petition protesting against the closure of the Halifax branch – the bank’s last remaining one in Calderdale.
Ms Dearden says she shares residents’ concerns at the planned closure and the potential impact it could have on vulnerable residents “who need face-to-face interaction”.
"NatWest also remains an important part of Halifax’s town centre,” she said.
"I am troubled about the impact this closure would have on our town centre including the impact on footfall for businesses.
"The building it occupies is Grade II listed, and I know residents will also be disappointed to see this building vacant.”
In her letter to NatWest’s CEO, she asks what measures are being taken to support customers who cannot bank online and also highlights the plight of staff currently working at the Halifax branch.
She is urging people to sign her petition objecting to the closure, which can be found at https://kateforhalifax.com/sign-to-save-halifaxs-natwest-branch/
NatWest has said: “With the ease of mobile and online banking, fewer people are coming into the bank. This means we’ve had to make some tough choices about which can stay open.
“So, we want to make sure that we keep the branches people are using most.”