Plan for mobile bank to replace branches

A MOBILE bank will be brought in to serve parts of Cardiff after a decision by NatWest to close 10 banks across South Wales.

The closures were branded a “kick in the teeth” by customers after first being announced last month.

Politicians across the region have told of how they have been contacted by constituents concerned about the closures.

South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies said: “When NatWest announced these branch closures – many local people got in touch to express concerns. Many people rely on local branches and I made clear that the closures are bitterly disappointing.”

Since then, the matter has been raised with bosses at the banking giant.

NatWest has confirmed that a mobile van will operate in locations across the region while in Cowbridge the existing branch manager has been appointed as the town’s community banker to assist people with the banking options available to them.

Five branches will close by the end of May. These are Porthcawl, Treforest Estate and three Cardiff branches – at Whitchurch, Llandaff and the University Hospital of Wales.

A further five branches will close in June: Cowbridge; Maesteg; Pencoed; Rumney in Cardiff; and Talbot Green.

They are part of 159 closures of NatWest and RBS branches set to close across the UK with the loss of 680 jobs.

An increase in the number of people using mobile banking services is being blamed.

At the time of the announcement, MP Chris Elmore and Huw Irranca-Davies said: “This decision shows a neglect for communities across Wales in that it will force customers to travel many miles to access local services. It is simply unacceptable.”

A spokesman for NatWest said: “We know that not all of our customers are comfortable or familiar with using online or mobile banking, so we have created a new specialist taskforce of NatWest TechXperts who will be dedicated to supporting our customers with training and support with digital skills until the branches close.

“We have also introduced a new role of community banker who will work in the community and surrounding areas after the branch closures, providing customers with personal assistance and support to access our noncash services, as well as help with achieving their financial plans and goals – replicating many of the services available in our branches.”