Council set to challenge bank closures across county

BRIDGEND council is going to challenge a string of bank closures in the area.

Bank chain NatWest has announced plans to close its counters in Pencoed, Maesteg and Porthcawl, to the dismay of many customers – particularly older people.

Councillor Bridie Sedgebeer submitted a motion to Bridgend council asking NatWest that it reconsiders its plans. The motion was put to full council on December 20 and was supported by all members present.

The authority states that “our constituents, par- ticularly our elderly residents who rely on local branches to manage their finances and the reality is that face-to-face banking facilities have been drastically reduced across the county borough.”

The council added: “Whilst technology and banking procedures have changed, we as a Council, must not ignore the needs of customers who are unable to use these procedures.”

Full council agreed with the call on the leader of the council, Huw David, to write to NatWest asking that it reconsiders the closures and the need to support residents locally.

“As a council, we will support residents, community groups and businesses to explore alternative provision which may be working with credit unions or neutral shared branches.”

Coun Sedgebeer stated that she “was pleased the motion was supported by all members” and added that she “wants to protect the needs of constituents and support their digital literacy”.