Bank’s treatment led me to branch out

Along with Paul Sheriff, I was disappointed, distressed and displeased to receive a letter from Gary Mathews, the regional director for Nationwide, advising the closure of two of their local branches, and responded with my reaction.

I drive to Cookham to carry out any transactions with Nationwide, rather than use the branch in Maidenhead, as their service has been the subject of my only complaint to Nationwide since I have had an account.

One Saturday morning a few years ago, I went into town to deposit a cheque using the automated system at the ATM.

At 8.10am it was out of action and inside the branch I could see the door open

presumedly waiting for restocking.

I returned some 10 minutes later and it was still open, and again at 8.30am.

At 8.40am the door was still open and the member of staff who had seen me previously was now drinking a cup of tea or coffee and watching me from the back of the branch.

He made no attempt to indicate if and when the machine would be available.

I was not able to make the deposit until 8.53am and consequently was late taking my car for service.

The cheque was not processed until Monday.

The following Saturday I drove to Cookham and deposited a cheque at 8.15am and it was credited to my account that day.

I have continued to use the Cookham branch for my transactions and will be deeply sorry when it closes as I have always enjoyed impeccable courtesy and service from the staff.

I will not set foot inside the Maidenhead branch.

According to Nationwide’s website Maidenhead is closed for ‘improvement’ but this will only be in regard to the physical structure and not in the service and courtesy of the staff.

Perhaps, Nationwide, you would be better leaving it closed.

MERVYN BUSTON

East Road Maidenhead