NatWest to quit Torbay as final branches close

Nat West have revealed branches in Torquay and Paignton are to close, delivering a massive blow for the town centres.

The Torquay branch, one of the town centre’s most significant buildings, will be closing for business on September 3 with their Paignton Branch due to follow on October 2.

Former Bay MP and Nat West customer Kevin Foster says: "The stone pillars outside Natwest’s Torquay branch have for decades stood as a symbol of enduring strength and solidity, meant to give customers confidence in placing their money with the then National Provincial Bank. Yet the mighty pillars are being felled by the convenience of technology, with apps on a smart phone taking the place of large banking halls."

He said that as part of the recent announcement, the bank indicated over 80 per cent of their active current account holders now use their digital services and over 97 per cent of retail accounts with them are now opened online.

Above: Kevin Foster outside Nat West Torquay

Paignton and Torquay are two of 55 branch closures announced by the banking giant,  which had already closed its branches in Brixham, Lawes Bridge (Shiphay) and St Marychurch over recent years. The latest announcement means it will not have any branches in the Torbay area by the end of this year. 

Nat West customers can use local Post Office Counters to withdraw cash, check balances, deposit cash and cheques, and use the Change Giving service.

Mr Foster said: "In 2008, taxpayers funded a £45.5bn bailout package to rescue NatWest (then RBS) from collapse as a debt crisis threatened to engulf the UK’s banking system. The government held an 84 per cent stake in the bank as a result, with shares being gradually sold since. The bank recently returned fully to the private sector with the Government selling its final shares on 30 May 2025, confirming a £10.5bn loss."

Mr Foster said following the announcement of the Torquay Branch closure, Cash Access UK announced it would be opening a banking hub in Torquay to ensure continued access to cash. Their website states a property search is underway and the new hub will open in June 2026.

The new Torquay banking hub will be like one already open in Brixham and would be open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm with a counter operated by the Post Office. 

"What are called “community bankers” would be available one day a week from individual banks to talk with their customers," said Mr Foster

But he added: " This news will be a blow to the staff who have served local people for many years, especially more vulnerable customers who need the human touch a computer cannot provide. Less than two years ago, when I challenged the closure of their Lawes Bridge Branch, I was repeatedly told by Nat West it would be ok because their vulnerable customers could use Torquay’s main branch.

"Now they are closing that one as well. It means any reassurance offered now about future services for vulnerable customers cannot be taken at face value. The least Nat West can do is offer the current branch building to be the new banking hub for Torquay.”