While big bank brands continue to shutter branches across the UK and globally, Slough's High Street remains heavily populated.

With the likes of Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds, Slough boasts more than eight banks, becoming the go-to destination for people wishing to bank locally in east Berkshire.

Slough BID manager, Clarissa Parker has shared her thoughts on how banks are helping the footfall in the town.

She said: "People are still coming into the High Street quite regularly. Just look at the banks. All the banks are here."

Speaking previously to the Observer, Clarissa noted how Slough town centre was fortunate to keep all existing bank branches open throughout 2023.

"It is so important for Slough residents, business owners, vulnerable and older generations to have the trust of going into a branch for face-to-face support," she added.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring towns of Maidenhead and Windsor are becoming bank deserts, with Barclays being the most recent bank to announce a closure - that of its Maidenhead branch set to close in April.

Giving their reason for closing the branch, a Barclays spokesperson said: "As visits to branches continue to fall, with the majority of people preferring to bank online, we need to adapt to provide the best service for all our customers."

It is a similar picture across the board with a reduction of footfall being cited as the reason for many bank closures.

In turn, this indicates Slough residents continue to prefer banking in person.

Age UK has previously spoken out about the shift to more digital-focused banking, stating that "hundreds of thousands of older people" are being left without convenient access to basic banking services.