The Bungay and Oulton Broad branches of NatWest will be closing next February, it has been announced today.

A spokesman for NatWest said the number of transactions taking place at the Bungay branch have fallen by 23pc over the last few years with only 16 customers who use the branch regularly on a weekly basis. And in Oulton Broad, transactions have fallen by 26pc with only 38 regular customers.

Both branches will be closing on February 10, 2015, meaning Bungay customers will have to travel the 12-mile round trip to do their banking at NatWest in Beccles, and Oulton Broad customers will have to go into Lowestoft.

The spokesman confirmed there will be no job losses as a result as staff will be redeployed to nearby branches.

She said: 'Over our whole branch network there has been a 30pc 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 200pc.

'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 have advised staff and we're writing to our customers to make them aware of the closure and the different ways they can still bank with us. 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.'

She added that NatWest has come to an agreement with Post Offices close to both branches, so customers who do not use the Internet or mobile phone app and prefer to be served over-the-counter can withdraw cash, check balances and make deposits free of charge. In the coming months businesses will be able to get coinage.

For the full reaction from both communities see tomorrow's Eastern Daily Press.

•Are you a customer with NatWest in Bungay or Oulton Broad. Will the closures affect you? Email amy.smith@archant.co.uk or call 01502 715674.