Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has taken the protest over service cuts to local Natwest banks to the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, but was disappointed by the response which gave warm words on the economy but no real support for the frustration being felt by customers as local services continue to be eroded.
Assembly Member Mick Bates raised the issue during First Minister Questions in the Chamber. Commenting, Mr Bates stated:
“I am sure that one priority for discussion with the new UK Government will be the plan for economic recovery, which will include ensuring that the large nationalised bank RBS is lending again and providing a service to individuals and businesses in Wales.
“In Montgomeryshire I am appalled that, after taking such huge sums of money from the tax payer, Natwest branches in Llanfair Caereinion, Montgomery and Llanidloes are proposed for drastic reductions in their service hours.
“I asked the First Minister for his agreement that cutting service hours in local branches in rural areas where people rely on essential local services, which could ultimately lead to branch closures, is not the way forward. I urged the First Minister to highlight this deplorable action during discussions on the economy with the new UK Government over the coming months.
“Sadly, despite giving warm words on the importance of banks lending again to stimulate the economy, the First Minister failed to give any real support for the frustration being felt by customers as our local services continue to be eroded. I am disappointed that the First Minister gave no commitment to raise the issue of local branch closures during discussions with Westminster colleagues over the coming months.
“I will continue to campaign in protest over the service cuts to local Natwest banks. I have been pushing for some time for a meeting with RBS officials to discuss the cuts in Llanidloes, Montgomery and Llanfair Caereinon and I am expecting to confirm a meeting date very soon.”
