NatWest has announced that it’ll be closing a further 52 bank branches throughout 2025, and Greater Manchester will be affected.
In what is set to be another blow to the already-struggling high street, NatWest has confirmed that it will be closing down another 52 branches before 2025 is out, bringing its total closures across the UK to a significant 105.
Dozens of regions nationwide are set to be affected by the closures this year, including here in Greater Manchester.
This year’s closures follow the dozens that shut in 2024, although our region – and the North West in general – appeared to escape quite lightly from that cull, with only the Tameside town of Stalybridge losing its branch in July, but in 2025, we aren’t set to be so lucky as eight branches are shutting up shop, and some have already gone.
Manchester city centre, Stockport, and Urmston are just a couple of the local areas where closures are starting to take place.
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NatWest to close dozens more bank branches in 2025 / Credit: PickPik
NatWest said the closures reflect the general shift to online banking, with more than 80% of its current account holders now using digital services instead of in-person, and the majority of new accounts opened online.
The company added that more than £20m will be invested in its UK network next year, including upgrades to branches that are still open, support through Post Offices and banking hubs, and pop-up services in some areas.
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Greater Manchester NatWest branches closing in 2025
Farnworth, Bolton – 15/05/25
Manchester Portland Street – 11/06/25
Middleton – 30/04/25
Rochdale – 10/06/25
Trafford Park – 20/05/25
Hazel Grove, Stockport – 19/06/25
Heaton Chapel, Stockport – 03/06/25
Urmston – 13/05/25
“Like any business, we strive to meet our customers’ changing needs and expectations,” NatWest commented on the closure announcements, “and we’ve been responding to the industry-wide shift towards digital services by investing to broaden what customers can do themselves and to offer them greater personalisation.
“We recognise, however, that some people still need help to adapt, particularly our vulnerable customers.
“Our customer support specialists proactively contact branch users who we know may need additional support when a branch closes and, where there’s a need, we install community pop-ups to help customers become familiar with alternative banking services.”
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
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The BRIT Awards to return to Manchester in 2027 with ceremony date confirmed
Emily Sergeant
It’s official – the BRIT Awards are returning to Manchester in 2027, and the ceremony date has now been confirmed.
Well, technically we already knew they would be, as it was announced last year that for the first time in its illustrious 48-year history, British music’s most prestigious awards show would be leaving London and heading up to the capital of the North, as ITV confirmed the BRITs would be staged in Manchester for the next two years.
After nearly five decades in London, The BRIT Awards were hosted in Manchester at Co-op Live earlier this year, and (in our opinion) proved to everyone why it’s the best city on Earth.
The 2026 BRITs delivered its biggest audience ever worldwide and was said to have had a record-breaking reach on socials too, cementing the show’s status as a global stage for showcasing talent.
So it’s only natural that the iconic celebration of UK music would be back for more.
Continuing on with this ‘bold new chapter’ for the legendary event, it has been confirmed that the show will take place on Saturday 27 February, airing on ITV1 and ITVX in a prime-time weekend slot that will see fans all over the UK and the world come together to celebrate the biggest artists and most exciting music of the year.
2027 is also a big year for the BRITs too, as next year’s ceremony is celebrating 50 years since the very first awards were televised.
“This year’s BRIT Awards in Manchester were a huge success, with a global reach and massive local impact, and we’re excited and ready to help make 2027 the biggest year yet for The BRITs,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, the Leader of Manchester City Council, ahead of next year’s ceremony.
The BRIT Awards will be returning to Manchester in 2027 / Credit: The Manc Group
“The impact of the awards was felt across the city region, from the cash benefit for our economy, showcasing small local music venues, incredible opportunities for our up-and-coming young musicians and creatives, and engagement with Greater Manchester schools.
“We’ll be creating even more ways for local people and for visitors to get involved in next year’s awards, which look set to be another incredible celebration of music and our city.”
The BRIT Awards 2027 will take place on Saturday 27 February, and further announcements will be made in the coming months.
Keep your eyes peeled, Manchester.
Featured Image – BRITs
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Police issue statement after triple stabbing at Manchester high school
Emily Sergeant
A formal update and police statement has now been issued following a stabbing at a high school in Manchester earlier this morning.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers were called to reports of a stabbing at a school on Plant Hill Road in Blackley – confirmed to be Co-op Academy Manchester – earlier this morning (Tuesday 9 June 2026), and when they arrived on the scene, they discovered that two students and a teacher had been injured.
Staff were quick to detain a girl to ensure no further harm came to pupils or staff, before police arrived shortly afterwards.
A 14-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault, and remains in custody for questioning.
At this time, officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and have stated that there is no wider threat to the public.
The police have issued a statement after a triple stabbing at a Manchester high school / Credit: GMP
As mentioned, three people were injured during the incident – a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy, and a 27-year-old male member of staff. All were taken to hospital, however thankfully, their injuries are not believed to be serious, and they are stable at this time.
Giving a statement following the shocking incident earlier this morning, Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock said: “We understand that this incident will have cause concern to pupils, staff and the wider school community.
“The incident was swiftly and quickly dealt with by staff before officers attended to arrest the girl. There is believed to be no wider threat at this time, and we thank everyone for their support as emergency services dealt with this.
Emily Sergeant -
16th June 2025 
