18 Dec 2023

Nationwide vows not to desert Winsford as it reinforces commitment to UK high streets

  • Despite a population of 35,000 in Winsford, Nationwide is the only remaining financial service provider
  • Nationwide reiterates its commitment that everywhere they have a branch they will remain through its Branch Promise
  • Winsford branch has been proudly on the high street since 1971
  • More than three quarters (77%) of people value or depend on branches, research shows

Nationwide has committed to staying in Winsford as the town becomes one of many across the UK impacted by unprecedented branch closures in recent years.  

Despite Winsford having a population of 35,000, Nationwide is now the last branch standing following the closure of TSB in 2022. Britain’s biggest building society is reaffirming its commitment to communities by continuing to offer face-to-face service. Nationwide's Branch Promise means everywhere they have a branch they will remain until at least 2026.

As banks have shifted their focus away from physical branches, Winsford is not the only town where Nationwide is now the last branch on the high street. Over 80 communities up and down the country have been left with just a Nationwide branch. The Winsford branch has been in town since 1971 –a time when there were multiple bank branches in the town.

Nationwide believes that a local banking presence is more than a financial service – it is a cornerstone of community relationships, which is why they serve more than 6,000 customers across the town. Nationwide’s research1 found that being able to speak to someone face-to-face (44%) was cited as the main reason why people who use branches value them.

Jenna Crump, Winsford Branch Manager commented: “We understand that our customers are not just account holders - they are neighbours, friends, and integral members of the Winsford community. The decision to maintain our high street branch reflects Nationwide's unwavering dedication to the local community. 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. High streets need as much support as possible and we look forward to welcoming more Winsford residents to experience what face-to-face banking at their local branch means.”

Nationwide has donated £121,000 to four local charities across Cheshire over the last two years through our Community Boards2 supporting local causes around Winsford branch.

Nationwide announced earlier this year that due to not closing branches are now the biggest banking branch network in the UK3.

Notes to editors

1 Based on a nationally representative survey conducted by Censuswide of 2,037 UK consumers, carried out by Nationwide in September 2022.  Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council. 

2 Community Boards in Cheshire

Charity Name

Year

Postcode

Amount Awarded

The National House Project

2022-23

CW1 5DU

£46,100.00

Crewe YMCA

2022-23

CW2 6EL

£19,936.00

Neuromuscular Centre

2022-23

CW7 4EH

£12,000.00

Crewe YMCA

2023-24

CW2 6EL

£43,632.00

3 CACI - Branch banking | Nationwide