Reduced opening times for Chapel-en-le-Frith bank announced

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) branch will open three days a week instead of its usual five from the summer.

Bosses say the cut is “due to a wide range of factors, including branch usage and the alternative ways customers bank locally”.

The branch on Market Street is currently open from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between the hours of 9.15am and 4.45pm, and between 9.45am and 4.45pm on Wednesday.

But from June 5, bosses plan to reduce the days it is open to Monday, Thursday and Friday, with the hours of operation between 10am and 4pm.

Similar changes have been proposed for the bank's branches in Allestree, Dronfield and Hathersage.

RBS spokesman Andrew Watt said: “We are committed to following the UK government protocol on significant opening hour changes, and we have made these decisions following careful consideration of a wide range of factors including branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us locally.

“We will be writing to customers in advance of the change to opening hours and we will also display posters in the branch in the run-up to the changes. Between now and June 5, we will engage with our customers, local businesses and the local community to make sure they are aware of the changes we are making and the alternative ways in which they can access banking services as well as to answer any questions.”

Mr Watt added: “We know that not all of our customers are comfortable or familiar with using online or mobile banking, so we have provided focused training for our branch teams who will support our customers with digital skills coaching.”

Cash machine availability would remain the same at the Chapel branch, the bank confirmed.

It has also reached an agreement with the local Post Office which will allow customers can pay money in, take money out, check their balance and get business coinage.