NATWEST is to close its banking branch in Llangefni, its last remaining site on Anglesey.
It is to shut on Thursday, September 4, as part of a wider programme of branch closures across the UK.
The MS and MP for Ynys Môn, Rhun ap Iorwerth and Llinos Medi respectively, have described NatWest’s decision to close its final branch on Ynys Môn as “deeply disappointing.”
The closure of the Llangefni branch, currently used by almost 300 personal and business customers each month, follows the shutting of sites in Holyhead, Menai Bridge and Amlwch in 2016.
In a joint statement, Mr ap Iorwerth and Ms Medi said: “NatWest’s decision to close its Llangefni branch – the last remaining NatWest branch on the island – is deeply disappointing.
“It follows an increasingly worrying and unacceptable trend of commercial banks turning their backs on customers in rural communities.
“It’s equally disappointing that this decision was made without informing elected representatives, leaving us unable to update our constituents.
“Everyone should have access to banking services in their community, and it’s the responsibility of the banking sector to make sure that happens.
“Branch closures cause serious difficulties for customers and isolate many from being able to manage their finances, especially those unable to make use of digital services.
“We’ll make the case to NatWest to reverse its decision, as well as continue conversations with LINK to ensure that no one is left behind because of this announcement.”
In response, a NatWest spokesperson said its decision was driven by the growing trend of using digital banking.
The company said more than 80 per cent of its active current account holders now use its digital services, and more than 97 per cent of its retail accounts are opened online.
A NatWest spokesperson said: “While we are increasingly engaging our customers digitally, our branch network remains important to us.
“As we adapt our services to meet changing needs, we may take the difficult decision to close or consolidate some of our branches.
“While we know that this is disappointing, we have carefully considered how best to invest to make sure we have a sustainable network for the future.
“We consider each branch individually and review a wide range of factors, including but not limited to, impact on customers, the level of financial vulnerability in the area, the nearest available branch, banking hub, Post Office and free ATMs and regular transport links.
“We’re committed to ensuring the transition of UK banking services on to digital platforms is managed compassionately and we recognise that some people still need help to adapt, particularly our vulnerable customers.
“We are also committed to supporting our elderly customers, with almost half of over-70s with active current accounts now accessing digital banking.
“We know that a small number of people are not yet comfortable with it, which is why we are proactively reaching out to support them with this transition, having made over 200,000 calls last year. We also have experts that they can speak to for support and guidance.”
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