NATWEST is to close its Regent Street self-service branch on March 17.

Sarah Binnie, media relations manager, said in a statement addressed to the editor: "I am writing to let you know, as the voice of the local community, that we have taken the difficult decision to close our NatWest Swindon self-service branch on 17 March 2015.

"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.

"ATM: We are leaving an ATM behind so customers can still get access to their cash. There are also 10 free-to-use ATMs within a 1 mile radius. We’ve also lifted the restrictions for all of our basic bank account holders so they can use any Link ATM.

"Post Office: 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 next door to the branch and there are a further four Post Offices within a one mile radius, so that customers can withdraw cash, check balances, and make deposits free of charge. Our local business customers are now also able to get coinage.

"Nearby branch: There are two other branches within a 2.4 mile radius – both Swindon Commercial Road branch and West Swindon branch are 2.4 miles away.

"Our branches are still very important to us and we’ll continue to have one of the largest branch networks in the UK. 80% of our customers are within a three mile radius of a branch, and when you include the Post Office network that rises to 90% of our customers being within one mile of a place where they can carry out their every day banking.

"Overall, we are investing over £1bn over the next few years to give customers greater choice in how they bank with us, such as improving our online and mobile banking and upgrading over 400 branches across the UK. These branches will be fitted with new technology including iPads to register and access online banking and free wi-fi access for customers to use their own digital devices in branch.

"We are also installing around 100 new ATM locations across the UK, including in railway stations, to increase the number of places customers can access their cash.

"Finally, almost 600 more cash and deposit machines (CDMs) will be placed in branches for customers to quickly and easily pay in cheques, cash and coins."