PLAID Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz Saville Roberts, and MS, Mabon ap Gwynfor, are petitioning banking giant Barclays following its decision to close its branch in Dolgellau. 

The duo are calling on Barclays to commit to retaining the cash machine outside the branch and provide their loyal customers with sufficient alternative banking arrangements as it prepares to cut ties with the town.

The bank confirmed in July that the Dolgellau branch will close on Thursday, October 27, leaving customers with a 70-mile round trip to the nearest branch.

The petition can be signed here:  www.dwyformeirionnydd.cymru/achub_banc.

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In a joint statement, the MP and MS said: “Given that Barclays has taken the unpopular decision to close their branch in Dolgellau, in the face of opposition from the local community, it’s now incumbent upon them to do all they can to make up for their actions.

“In a large market town serving a dispersed, rural population who rely on Barclays for both personal and business transactions - it’s absolutely vital that people are able to withdraw cash at their convenience.

“We are therefore calling on Barclays to work with others to retain an ATM machine in Dolgellau and ensure adequate alternative banking methods are put in place to meet the needs of local customers.

“Banks are duty-bound to comply with guidelines put forward by the British Banking Association which calls on banks to ensure adequate measures are in place to mitigate impacts of branch closures in our towns.

“Too many rural towns are becoming financial deserts, where accessing cash is fast becoming a luxury.

“With more and more banks abandoning our communities - the very least people deserve is the ability to withdraw cash at their convenience.  

“We urge our constituents to support this petition and send a clear message to Barclays that free access to cash really does matter.”