Nationwide explains legal restrictions that apply at all its branches | Personal Finance | Finance

Nationwide Building Society has issued an update about a legal restriction you may not realise applies at all its branches. The group recently put up a sign outside one of its branches relating to the issue.

Customers can access many services at Nationwide branches such as checking your account or taking out cash. The savings giant previously pledged to keep open all its current 605 branches until at least 2030.

However, some little-known rules have come to light after one Nationwide branch had a unique visitor recently. Some maintenance works were being done at the Beccles branch meaning some scaffolding was in place on the front of the building.

A local pigeon decided to make a nest among the metal framework in recent weeks. Although the maintenance works have now been completed, staff decided to keep the scaffolding up until the feathered visitor, who they have named ‘Pidge’, has moved on.

Nationwide even put a poster up outside the branch to inform customers of the decision. The message states: “We’re staying put. And so is our pigeon.

“We’re open as usual. The scaffolding’s staying a little longer as a pigeon has made itself at home.” Nationwide was asked for an update on Pidge and if they have a particular policy if a bird takes up residence outside a branch like this.

Legal restrictions

In response, the group pointed out that there are legal protections for wildlife that may apply in this case. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits anyone from taking, damaging or destroying “the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built”.

However, guidance on the Government website about the restrictions also states: “In exceptional cases the law allows certain exemptions to permit legal activities (such as a development with planning permission) and where avoiding harm isn’t possible. You may also be able to get a licence from Natural England for certain activities if you need to remove wild birds because they’re causing problems.”

A Nationwide spokesperson said: “‘Pidge’, as we’ve come to call her, snuck in during maintenance at our Beccles branch a few weeks ago and has been nesting in the scaffolding ever since. That left us with one option – let her stay and reopen to customers.

“So, while Pidge builds her nest and raises her chicks, we’re helping customers build their own nest eggs. We’ve even put up a poster explaining that Pidge is ‘staying put’ – just like our Beccles branch. But we’ll be sad when she flies the nest – she’s part of the team now, toilet training aside.”

Bonus payments for customers

Nationwide customers could soon be seeing some bonus cash from the provider flying into their account. The mutual will soon make an announcement about the latest round of its Fairer Share payment, a scheme where it shares out its profit among members.

There has been a payment of £100 for millions of customers over each of the past three years. A spokesperson said: “Nationwide aims to make a Fairer Share payment again this year, subject to financial performance and Board approval.

“Any announcement, including eligibility criteria and amount, will be made on 21 May at Nationwide’s end‑of‑year financial results.” To qualify for last year’s payment, you needed to have a combination of a qualifying current account plus either a savings account or a mortgage with the group.