A national banking chain is bucking the trend of closing branches by looking to make improvements at its sites in two Norfolk towns

Nationwide has submitted plans to both Breckland Council and North Norfolk District Council to refresh its signage and make improvements at its Fakenham and Dereham branches.

In documents supporting the application at 14 Market Place, Fakenham, it outlines plans to replace signage, paint part of the Grade II listed building and add a new car park sign.

While in Dereham, signage is set to be replaced, it will be given a fresh coat of paint, and the surroundings of the ATM will be updated, as well as the messages in the window.

It will come as a relief to people, as both towns have seen a number of their banks close, with Fakenham losing three banks last year, and Halifax and Barclays announcing departures in Dereham.

Both plans have yet to be approved, with Fakenham expecting a decision by April 17 and with Dereham expecting a decision on the application by April 8.