THE last bank in Ross-on-Wye has pledged to keep the branch open until at least 2030.

Nationwide has just announced it will continue to keep every one of its 696 branches open until at least 2030.

The new commitment by Nationwide extends its existing ‘Branch Promise’ by at least another two years.

The banking organisation said branch closures have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable customers, including older people, many of whom rely on face-to-face services and support.

Younger people rely on branches too - more than one in 10 of Nationwide's new student accounts were opened in branches this new academic year.

Nationwide stated that since January this year, 33 Nationwide branches have become the last bank in town, including Ross, when other banking giants have closed their branches.