Nationwide has pledged not to leave a Chesire town after it became the last banking branch in the area.

Despite Sandbach having a population of around 18,000 people, Nationwide is now the only branch in the town following the closure of NatWest last year.

Nationwide is currently serving more than 8,500 customers at the branch, first opened in 1969, with ATM usage up by 46 per cent in the past 12 months.

The move, which comes amidst a wave of bank closures as more people shift to online banking, is part of Nationwide's promise to keep all of its existing branches open until at least 2026.

According to the building society, more than 80 communities across the country have been left with only a Nationwide branch in recent years.

Nationwide says the scheme means it now has the highest number of branches on the UK High Street.

"The decision to maintain our High Street branch reflects our dedication to local communities," said Nicola Brennan, Sandbach branch manager. "We remain steadfast in continuing to provide a warm and welcoming environment where customers can receive personalised attention, guidance, and support for their financial needs."

Nationwide also recently launched its Safe Space initiative which offers discreet support for anyone facing domestic abuse, including people who aren't customers of the building society. Sandbach will be among the branches involved in this scheme.

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