Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates and Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams have demanded that the Welsh Government undertakes an assessment of the impact of bank closures and service cuts on rural communities. This follows proposals to close the Barclays bank in Rhayader and service cuts at Natwest branches in Montgomeryshire, which is causing considerable concern to residents in Mid Wales.
Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Kirsty Williams said:
“At a time when banks are making massive profits, it is unacceptable that we continue to see the decline of our local facilities, such as the proposal to close the Barclays bank in Rhayader.
“Although there are agreements between major banks and the Post Office to provide limited services at Post Offices, my constituents need financial and business advice which cannot be obtained under this system. In rural areas with limited access to broadband, this problem is even worse as online services are not accessible for many. Individuals and businesses need a face to face banking facility for transactions and cash services.
“The Welsh Government cannot sit back and watch the shameful behaviour of some banks in Mid Wales as they continue to close and cut our local branches. We demand that the Welsh Government undertakes an assessment of the impact of branch closures and service cuts on our rural communities in Wales.”
Commenting, Mr Bates said:
“For too long now we have watched the drift of banking service outlets from our rural areas, which is forcing people to travel further to access the facilities they need. In Montgomeryshire we have seen cuts to service hours at Natwest branches, which is causing problems for individuals and businesses who need access to a local bank to carry out their day to day activities.
“Keeping a bank presence in a local area keeps people spending locally, brings people into the community, supports the elderly and vulnerable who are unable to travel further to access services and provides a key service for businesses. The Welsh Government must work with the banks to discourage future closures and cuts and identify a sustainable plan to retain a banking facility in all rural areas.”
