POLITICIANS based in Gwynedd have published an open letter to Barclays calling on the bank to continue to provide face-to-face branch services in Porthmadog.

Barclays recently announced it would shut branches in Porthmadog and Caernarfon.

Porthmadog councillor, Nia Jeffreys, is working with Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP, Liz Saville Roberts, and MS, Mabon ap Gwynfor, to lobby the bank to retain banking services in the town.

Cllr Jeffreys is urging people to add their name to the open letter to focus pressure on Barclays.

Cllr Jeffreys said: “I’m disappointed with Barclays’ recent announcement to close the local bank branch in Porthmadog.

“As our communities recover from the effects of COVID, face-to-face services should be retained in order to support vulnerable people in vulnerable communities.

“Brining banking services to an end in Porthmadog will have an adverse and far-reaching impact on charities and community groups in the area who often rely on cash.

“I urge people to add their name to the open letter.”

Liz Saville Roberts MP added: “I completely disagree with Barclays’ advice that all customers should move to online banking because not everybody has access to a reliable internet connection, particularly in rural areas like parts of Dwyfor Meirionnydd where reliable digital connectivity is a problem.

“Many older people are also reluctant to use the internet for any financial matters.

“Ending banking services in Porthmadog will have an adverse impact on businesses and individuals in the town and surrounding communities.”

Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said: “Banks have been ripped out of our towns at an astounding rate, which shows no regard for the people who have helped banks make huge profits.

“Barclays has already shut 63 branches this year.

“According to the Financial Conduct Authority, people in Wales are most likely to have to travel large distances to get to a bank branch: 7.5 per cent of residences are more than 16km away."

You can add your name to the open letter here: www.dwyformeirionnydd.wales/barclays.