NatWest has been accused of being 'anti-homeless'.

A new gate has been installed at the rear entrance of the Macclesfield NatWest branch on Chestergate following a number of anti-social behaviour incidents.

This doorway had previously been used by rough sleepers but is now inaccessible to members of the public.

Richard Slater, who owns Henbury Travel, took to social media to voice his disappointment with the move.

He posted on X: "Oh dear NatWest. I wonder what customers think of you spending a fortune blocking this doorway to stop the homeless sleeping there."

Speaking to Nub News, Mr Slater added: "The bank have gone spending a fortune to stop homeless people sleeping there.

"The only reason they've done it is to stop rough sleeping.

"They will say it's for security or something, but it definitely isn't.

"It is just heavy-handed corporateness.

"They could have used their massive profits to help homelessness but are instead using them to put the homeless back out on the street."

NatWest say the gate was installed due to anti-social behaviour (Nub News)

The new gate, on the corner of the property, covers the access door to the floors above the bank branch.

Mr Slater said these floors have been empty for over a decade, adding that he would like to see them sold off and converted into housing.

However, NatWest say the floors were only vacated earlier this year and that the gate was installed due to anti-social behaviour.

 A spokesperson for the bank said: "We recently installed a gate at our Chestergate branch to help keep our customers and colleagues safe following a number of anti-social behaviour incidents.

"The space above our building became vacant this year and we are currently exploring all possible options."

NatWest added that they support a range of charities, including Social Bite and The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, specifically the Homewards programme, which aims to end homelessness.