Skipton Building Society closure in Neston

Another blow has been dealt to people seeking to use bank and building society facilities in and around Neston.

The only remaining building society – the Skipton at the Cross – has announced it is shutting its doors for good in September.

There are already no banks in Neston while an appeal for a shop to incorporate Post Office services in the town centre has fallen on deaf ears – people needing to visit a Post Office have to travel to Little Neston.

The concerning situation has prompted Ellesmere Port and MP Justin Madders to raise the issue on the floor of the House of Commons.

Speaking at Questions to the Leader of the House, Mr Madders said: “Last week Skipton Building Society announced that it was closing its Neston branch, which means that Neston will no longer have any banks or building societies.

“As Members will know, this is a trend. It has already happened in Ellesmere Port, and throughout the country banks and building societies are leaving the high streets.

“I know that there have been attempts to set up banking clubs, but to my knowledge only four have been created in the whole country, and I think that the threshold for their creation is far too high.”

Addressing Penny Mordaunt MP, Leader of the House, Mr Madders asked: “May we have a debate on what more we can do to ensure that these important facilities are not lost for good?”

Ms Mordaunt replied: “These facilities and services are vital to residents and businesses alike.

“ I will ensure that those in the relevant Department know about the issue and will ask that officials get in touch with his office to see what they can do to help.”

The company says the closure is a result of an increasing number of customers using online or telephone services and the Skipton app.

Currently, the Neston branch is only open on Mondays and Thursdays from 9.30am-3pm and Wednesdays from 10am-3pm.

For Skipton customers, their closest branch will now be nine miles away in West Kirby.

Kenny Stewart, Head of Branch Network at Skipton Building Society, said: "I can confirm our branch in Neston will be closing its doors on September 11.

“A limited number of colleagues’ roles are at risk and we are working to integrate them into other areas of the business where appropriate.

"We’ve taken this difficult decision after assessing how often the branch has been used, the alternatives nearby, and the increasing number of customers that are choosing to interact with us by phone, online, or through the Skipton app.”

Mr Stewart added: "We are also working hard to support our customers who use the branch in Neston and we have a comprehensive communication plan in motion to inform all customers.

“We’re also providing additional support to our vulnerable customers to make sure they’re registered for alternative methods of communications, and to make sure they’re familiar with their next nearest branch nine miles away in West Kirby, should they need to use it in the future.”

A Change.org petition aimed at reopening a post office in Neston was opened in June 2021 and attracted just over 1,000 signatures.

Pictured - Skipton Building Society in Neston.