SIR — NatWest is intending to close its branch in Dulverton (Free Press, May 1) and also its branch in Williton. Am I surprised? Not really. When last year they closed their branch in Wiveliscombe they sent me a letter to tell me that my nearest branch was now Wellington. This was despite the fact that the letter was addressed to me in Dulverton and that branch is a short walk away. At the time, I went into the Dulverton branch and enquired whether there were any plans to close. I was told no. To be fair to the staff, they apparently only found out last week. This action is, as usual, very short sighted. Yes, they will achieve a small reduction in their cost base but they can only save that money once. What they will lose is the ability to attract new customers. As the one bank in Dulverton, they were the only place to visit to open a new account. Now, wherever somebody goes they have a choice of banks still in operation and I would be disinclined to give them my business because of their actions. With a local branch, the staff know you and for that reason are much more helpful and aware of your requirements and circumstances. The closure of the only bank in any town also affects other commercial enterprises. I am aware of people who used to use the Wiveliscombe branch. They would go to the bank, do some shopping, use the hairdresser when necessary and perhaps have a snack. Now, instead they come to Dulverton to the detriment of Wiveliscombe. Where will they go next? Or, as is more likely, they will go out less and therefore become more isolated. We are continually being told that we should live a more sustainable lifestyle but then if we live in rural areas we are forced to travel further and further to obtain the necessities of life. The Government, whoever it might be, will do nothing. They will come out with the usual weasel words that they "cannot interfere in the day to day operations of the bank" even though the taxpayer is the largest shareholder. Finally, a petition has been raised in Dulverton opposing the closure. I have already signed it and I would urge as many people as possible to do so. It probably will not make any difference but let us make our feelings known. Bruce Gauld, Dulverton