Nationwide pledge to keep branches open

Victory for Express Save Our High Street Banks crusade

-  Giles Sheldrick

MILLIONS of frustrated bank customers had reason to cheer yesterday, after Nationwide Building Society promised to keep its remaining high street branches open until 2026.

The trend-bucking pledge, which sent shockwaves through the industry, will delight those who rely on face-toface banking and breathe some new life into ailing high streets.

It also marks a victory for the Daily Express Save Our High Street Banks campaign, as branches disappear and shops close in the march towards digital-only services.

Nationwide, Britain's biggest building society, says in-person banking remained hugely popular. Its commitment will embarrass big-name rivals that argue the opposite.