Nationwide Building Society has provided an update regarding a legal requirement that customers may be unaware applies across all its branches. The organisation recently displayed a notice outside one of its locations concerning the matter.
Branch Rules and the Unexpected Visitor
Members can access a host of services at Nationwide branches, including account checks and cash withdrawals. The savings provider has previously committed to maintaining all its existing 605 branches until at least 2030. However, certain lesser-known regulations have emerged after an unusual visitor to one Nationwide branch. Maintenance work was under way at the Beccles branch, resulting in scaffolding being erected on the building's exterior.
A local pigeon chose to build a nest within the metal structure in recent weeks. Despite the maintenance work now being finished, staff have opted to leave the scaffolding in place until the feathered guest, dubbed 'Pidge', departs.
Notice to Customers
Nationwide has even displayed a notice outside the branch to update customers on the situation. The sign reads: "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 approached for an update on Pidge and whether they have a specific protocol when a bird establishes residence outside a branch in this manner.
In response, the organisation pointed to some legal safeguards for wildlife that could be relevant here. 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".
Nonetheless, there is guidance on the Government website about the restrictions, that 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."
Nationwide's Response
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 members may soon spot some extra money landing in their accounts. The building society is poised to soon announce details of its latest Fairer Share payment, a programme where it distributes profits amongst its members. Millions of customers have received £100 annually for the previous three years. A spokesperson confirmed: "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 be eligible for the previous year's payout, customers were required to hold a qualifying current account alongside either a savings account or a mortgage with the building society.
