BANK bosses say the increase in online banking led to the closure of the NatWest's Timperley branch.

The Stockport Road bank closed its doors for the final time on June 28.

A NatWest spokesman said of the 'difficult' decision to close the branch: "The way people choose to bank with us has changed radically over the Past few years.

"Between 2010 and 2015, mobile and online transactions have increased by over 400 per cent and mobile transactions alone have increased by 1,350 per cent .

"As a result of this change, we have seen the number of transactions in Timperley branch declining by 29 per cent since 2011 and 54 per cent of the customers of the branch actively choosing to use online and or mobile banking for their day to day banking needs."

The spokesman said that ahead of the closure they had 'proactively' contacted vulnerable and regular branch customers.

The spokesman added; "We know that not all of our customers are comfortable and familiar with using online or mobile banking, so we have created a new specialist taskforce of Digital Experts who will be dedicated to supporting our customers with training and support with digital skills."

The bank pointed out it provides a range of alternative ways to bank, including online and mobile,telephony and the post office.

There is a post office a few doors way from the Timperley bank premises on Stockport Road, where customers can pay money in, take money out, check balances and business customers can get coinage.

The spokesman continued that there are 16 free to use ATMs within a mile of the branch and the nearest NatWest branch is 1.67 miles away in Altrincham.