On Tuesday June 8th, Mick Bates, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire hosted a stakeholder meeting to discuss the proposed reduction in services at key NatWest branches in Montgomery, Llanfair Caereinon and Llanidloes.
Representatives from NatWest were joined in an honest, round table discussion by community representatives from affected areas. Commenting after the meeting Mick said:
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to discuss the issues with representatives of NatWest and believe frank discussions between stakeholders are key to bringing a mutually satisfactory outcome. We await further contact from NatWest.
“Whilst we are all mindful of the commercial elements that have brought us to this position, top priority is the retention of our local services. At a time when our communities are trying to attract sustainable economic growth through new business ventures and increased tourism, it would be unfortunate to lose the very services upon which businesses rely.
“The current services provided by NatWest in Llanfair Caereinion, Montgomery and Llanidloes are highly valued by customers. They appreciate the face to face contact, the efficient and timely personal services from staff who are familiar and knowledgeable. These quality components of service delivery are not easily condensed and certainly are not delivered through telephone banking and internet alternatives.”
Communities were represented by Beryl Vaughan and Tom Jones (Banwy Valley), Viola Evans and Ivernia Watkins representing Llanfair Caereinion, Joycelin Gray and John Whittal Williams from Llanidloes and Stephen Hayes and Mark Michaels of Montgomery. MP Glyn Davies was invited but unable to attend.
