BANKING group NatWest is to close its branch in Yeadon on December 1.

The number of transactions taking place at the branch has dropped by 11 per cent since 2011, it says.

ANatWest spokesman said: "We are committed to following the UK Government protocol on branch closures, and we have made the decision following careful consideration of a wide range of factors including branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us locally.

"Our customers are increasingly using alternative ways to bank such as online and mobile banking. As a result, branch transactions have declined by around 36 per cent since 2010 while online and mobile transactions have grown by more than 300 per cent. Only nine per cent of their total transactions are now undertaken in branches in comparison to 25 per cent in 2010.

"We are writing to all of our customers who use the branch, as well as displaying posters in branch to let them know of the closure. Between now and the closure date, we will engage with all of our customers, local businesses and the wider local community to make sure they are aware of the alternative ways of accessing their banking with us in the local area, and to answer any questions they might have."

The spokesman added that NatWest was investing £250,000 in its branch in Shipley.