Changing York: Former York bank poised to become new shop

A YORK bank which closed down amid public protest last year is set to become a convenience store.

The former NatWest bank in Main Street, Heslington, could become a local shop under plans before City of York Council.

Last year, The Press reported how local campaigners fought to save the bank – the last one in the area.

Despite the protest and a petition against the closure, the NatWest closed its doors in April last year.

It was the last bank for the area following the closure of the Lloyds branch back in 2016 and of Barclays in 2020.

Keith Aspden outside the NatWest bank in Heslington during a campaign to try to stop its closure. The bank closed last year and is poised to become a convenience store

Under the new plans, the ground floor of the bank would be converted into a convenience store. The upstairs would be turned into a flat. The intention would be for the owner or manager of the shop to live in the flat above.

Opposition to the proposal has already been sent to planners.

Local resident Susan Foster, of Heslington, said a shop would cause disruption to the peace and quiet of village life.

In her objection letter she wrote: “I am concerned about the application of the use of the property that was NatWest bank into a convenience store, the concern is the shop will no doubt want to be open till late at night.”

She adds: “I am strongly against the idea, it will also cause extra traffic at night in a quiet village.”

The application marks the end of a local battle to keep the NatWest branch open.

Last spring Luke Charters, now Labour MP for York Outer, organised an online petition against the branch closure, attracting around 100 signatures. The petition demanded the closure be halted while inquiries were made into what staffed alternatives could be offered in the village.

And local councillor Keith Aspden demanded Nat West retain some banking services in the village.

Despite these efforts, the bank closed in April last year.

October 2015: The NatWest bank in Heslington village where an ATM machine was stolen

NatWest blamed the closure on a shift from personal to online banking, adding bank accounts would be transferred to York and customers would be able to use some services in Heslington Post Office.

A spokesperson told the Press last year: “We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind. We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”

In October 2015, the branch also hit the headlines when thieves stole the bank’s ATM by using a stolen digger to tear it out of the wall of the building in Main Street – leaving debris and glass strewn over the road.

To see the application for change of use (ref: 24/01490/EMU) visit: planningaccess.york.gov.uk.

For more public notices, check The Press daily and online at: publicnoticeportal.uk/york-press.