A BANK in the heart of Evesham has shut for good.
NatWest, which has called the Round House home for many years, officially closed on Tuesday (August 25).
The closure had been on the cards for a number of months, with NatWest citing declining footfall as the reason behind the decision, with numbers down 55% in five years.
Thankfully, NatWest promised to stay until restoration work on The Round House building had been completed.
Following NatWest’s closure announcement more than a year ago, both the bank and Wychavon District Council pledged to ‘secure its future’.
Marion Williams said: “It’s really sad to see another bank leave the town.
“I guess it’s all online now, but that doesn’t really work for the older generation.
“I know it’s something NatWest had been planning for a while, so it’s not a surprise.
“At least they restored the Round House before they left.
“The building is back to its best. Hopefully it won’t just be left empty now.”
Simon Parker said: “Honestly, I did not use NatWest, so it doesn’t really have any impact on me.
“Any business leaving Evesham isn’t good, but it is a sign of the times.
“Santander closed recently as well, and we lost Barclays a few years back.
“It’s all moving online.”
Work to restore the iconic Grade I listed building has been ongoing since 2022, which has included repairs to the timber frame and basement, as well as the removal and replacement of the pitched roof.
Speaking previously, Cllr Charlie Homer said: “The news that NatWest is closing its Evesham branch is hugely disappointing for the people of Evesham, having already lost other banking facilities recently. However, we recognise and welcome NatWest’s commitment to see the restoration work through before that closure happens.
“The renovation represents a significant investment in the town that will protect and preserve a building of not just local, but national importance.”
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