Coronavirus: Nationwide opens Northampton and Wellingborough branches early to help most vulnerable

Nationwide will open the doors at two of its Northamptonshire branches on hour early just for the most vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis.

The Building Society branches at Weston Favell in Northampton and in Wellingborough are among 100 across the UK opening at 8am from today (Wednesday March 18) just for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

Bosses hope it will allow groups at highest risk from coronavirus to go about their day-to-day banking with greater confidence and safety during the pandemic.

They will be able to use the facilities first, benefiting from enhanced cleaning that branches will undergo each evening, and before they open to the wider membership from their usual opening times.

Branch network director, Mandy Beech, said: “Lots of good work is being done across and within communities throughout the length and breadth of the UK and we want to do as much as we can.

“We understand the current situation is likely to hit the elderly and vulnerable the hardest, not only because of the higher risk of catching coronavirus, but also through potentially feeling isolated from the wider world should this issue continue for a longer period.

“That is why we are trialling a specific opening time for our older and most vulnerable members. We know that, in many instances, these are the people who most value and benefit from face-to-face service when they manage their money. In some cases, it may also be one of the only interactions they have each day.”

If the trial is successful, the new hours could be rolled out at more branches across the Society’s 650-network.

The move follows on from a range of support options outlined by Nationwide last week for members who could be hit hard financially by coronavirus. These range from payment holidays on mortgages and increased credit and overdraft limits, to the removal of interest charges on credit cards and overdrafts."