NATWEST has been challenged over its claim that two bank branches earmarked for closure have only five regular personal customers between them.

The bank said its Upper Parkstone branch has only one regular personal banking customer, while its Broadstone branch has four.

It defines regular personal customers as “customers who use branch services at least once a week over a six-month period”.

Broadstone councillors Vikki Slade and Mike Brooke say they saw more than 40 people use the Lower Blandford Road branch – which is due to close on January 12 – during half an hour on Monday, October 17.

Cllr Slade said: “It’s ridiculous to suggest someone has to use a bank weekly to make them 'regular'. People I spoke to used the bank for different activities like paying in cheques, one had a problem with their bank card, another had been scammed so wouldn’t use internet banking.

“Most said there is always a queue so they feel frustrated the bank claim there are no customers.

“I spoke to people from Broadstone but also Colehill, Corfe Mullen and Blandford who use the branch. Going to Poole will cause problems as they can't park, it’s way too far for some to go and they will have to consider closing the account.”

She has written to NatWest, Barclays and Lloyds urging them to set up a single “hub” in an empty unit or in the library.

Newtown councillor Millie Earl is concerned about the planned closure of the Ashley Road branch on March 7.

“I’m really not surprised NatWest claim they were getting little business at the Ashley Road branch. They reduced their hours so they close at 3pm on weekdays and don’t open at all at weekends,” she said.

“What’s frustrating is the wider impact on our valuable shopping district as fewer and fewer people have a reason to visit.

“District shopping centres, like Ashley Road, are the lifeblood of our communities and contribute significantly to the local economy. Businesses closing mean trade across the district declines.

“This is a wake-up call to those in charge at BCP Council. It’s time they supported our shopping districts to ensure the infrastructure is in place to help businesses thrive and prevent further closures.”

NatWest, which is shutting 43 branches nationwide in its latest round of closures, has said the vast majority of its retail banking services can be done digitally.

It has said it will contact its vulnerable customers to provide support and has issued fact sheets for each branch, pointing people to other ways to bank.

A NatWest spokesperson said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.  

“We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind.

“We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”