Welshpool NatWest to close

Three years since it was announced that NatWest in Llanfair Caereinion was to close, local customers are in for a shock with its Welshpool branch also apparently facing the axe.

Whilst we await official confirmation, readers have contacted us this morning to say that staff are informing them that the last day is likely to be September 27, with the Machynlleth branch also expected to close a month later.

The closures are part of the mother company Royal Bank of Scotland’s bid to cut its losses as the Government-owned bank looks to return to profit following years of devastating losses.

But it has caused anger among its local customers with one telling us it was “another kick in the teeth for rural life”.

Meanwhile a petition has been set up and local Assembly Member Russell George said:  

“The closure of bank branches is having a devastating effect on Montgomeryshire’s town centres,” he said, while throwing his weight behind the petition set up by two local residents.

“This is another big blow for Montgomeryshire and follows a series of bank closures in recent years - from Montgomery and Llanidloes to Llanfair Caereinion and Machynlleth.

“While the decision to maintain a branch is ultimately a commercial decision for the banks, when I meet with NatWest bosses, I will be forcefully making the point that mobile or online banking doesn’t always replace permanent over the counter facilities, especially given the fact that the quality and reliability of mobile coverage and broadband speeds in parts of Montgomeryshire is still poor or non-existent.”

For a copy of the petition or to indicate your support for Ruth Canning’s and Des Parkinson’s campaign to Save NatWest in Welshpool, email: SaveNatWestWelshpool@gmail.com or phone 01938 559608.