NatWest customers have been assured a corner has been turned as the bank wades through the backlog of transactions following a major computer glitch that left thousands unable to access their money.

Some customers have been unable to view an up-to-date balance, payments such as direct debits for bills have not been made and some wages have not been received following a software update last Tuesday.

Natwest branches across Medway were open on Sunday for the first time ever at the weekend as staff have worked around the clock to tackle the backlog.

Branches in Chatham, Gillingham, Rainham and Rochester were open from 9am to 12pm and workers were called in to its national call centre based at Chatham Dockside to handle customers’ queries following days of disruption.

One woman in Gillingham said her benefit payments didn’t clear in her account on Thursday.

The mother-of-three said: “I couldn’t feed my kids because my job seekers allowance and child benefit payments didn’t go into my account. I couldn’t even take my kids to school because I didn’t have any money to put petrol in my car. It is disgusting.”

Another customer in Chatham said: “I only had 50p on my electric on Thursday so I had to stay at my friend’s house with my kids as I couldn’t cook them dinner or anything.

“I rang customer services and they said they’d refund any charges I got from being unable to pay bills, but it isn’t good enough. I needed to put food on the table for my kids."

NatWest confirmed last night that it has suspended its 'Helpful banking' ad campaign while the problems are resolved.

Have you been affected by the problems at NatWest? Leave your comments below, call the newsroom on 01634 227828 or emailmedwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk