Bank closures:
MP CALLS FOR PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE AS ANGLESEY SUFFERS
A MEMBER of Parliament is leading calls for a Parliamentary debate on bank closures, which has led to three Anglesey towns being left with not a single branch
The loss of so many of the region’s high street branches have been described as “ripping the hearts out of town centres,” leading to calls for a Parliamentary review into the situation.
Barclays’ decision to shut Amlwch’s only remaining bank, is the latest in a string of closures across the region, largely blamed on more people using on-line banking, with Menai Bridge and Beaumaris already in a similar situation.
As a result, Albert Owen MP is calling for a full debate on the issue.
“There’s a domino programme of planned closures by High Street Banks,” said Albert Owen, the Labour member for Ynys Môn.
“They reduce hours of opening, encourage online banking and then use the reduction of footfall as a reason for closure.
“Bank closures are ripping the hearts out of town centres and while central and local governments are trying to regenerate our town centres the Banks, many of which received tax payers’ money directly to sustain the banking industry, are turning their backs on communities.”
Analysis by WalesOnline shows that by the end of 2017, HSBC will have closed 42 Welsh branches in three years.
Meanwhile, Natwest will have closed 26 of its Welsh outlets, Lloyds will have closed 13 and Barclays 24.
Leader of the Commons, Andrea Ledsham, in her response to Mr Owen’s calls in Parliament, said: “There are very clear rules governing how banks can close—there must be broad consultation and assessment—but not enough people know that the Post Office has now agreed with all the major banks to provide basic banking services.
“Given that post offices are open at weekends and for longer hours, that can often provide a very good alternative.”
But Mr Owen says he’s not happy with the Government’s response.
“The Leader of the House seems satisfied with the current situation. I am not.
“I welcome sub-post offices stepping in to help out, but they are linked to shops, and indeed Post Offices themselves are closing down.
“This shows that the Government does not care and is on the side of the banks, not their customers or the public.
“Across Anglesey and the rest of the country there is a trend to simply close. It isn’t possible to bank cheques locally and not everyone can travel to the nearest bank.
“I am meeting senior managers next week and I will return to this matter in Parliament, get the issue discussed and get the Government to support local communities, not multi-national banks.”