RESIDENTS of North Tawton who bank with NatWest may now have to travel to carry out some banking transactions, as the bank has decided to close its branch in the town. The bank has announced that its branch in North Tawton will close on November 14. The firm stated that a significant fall in the number of transactions at the branch has led to the decision. The bank is currently only open for six hours a week, and is not linked to the bank's computer systems. The bank has come to an agreement with North Tawton Post Office so that customers can withdraw cash and check balances free of charge. In the months after the closure, customers will also be able to pay money in and businesses will be able to get coinage from the post office. In a statement, a NatWest spokesperson said: 'Over our whole branch network there has been a 30% drop in branch transactions since 2010 as people do their banking where and when it is convenient for them, whilst online and mobile transactions have grown by over 200%. 'We expect these trends to continue as more and more of our customers bank with us through our mobile app, by online and telephone and through our upgraded ATM network. 'When we close a branch, we take a number of factors into account including usage and alternative ways to bank with us in the local area. 'We do understand that some of our customers do not use the internet or mobile phone app and prefer to be served over-the-counter. As a result we have come to an agreement with the local Post Office, which is close to the branch, so that customers can withdraw cash and check balances free of charge. 'In the coming months they will also be able to pay money in and businesses will be able to get coinage. The spokesman said staff had been advised about the news and the bank was writing to customers to make them aware of the closure and the different ways they could still bank with NatWest. 'If customers or local businesses are concerned about how this will impact their banking, they can go into the branch where staff will be happy to discuss the alternative ways to bank with us,' said the spokesman. l Do you bank with NatWest in North Tawton? Will the closure mean you have to travel to carry out your banking? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]">[email protected] or send a letter to Okehampton Times, The Ockment Centre, North Street, Okehampton, EX20 1AR.