David Jones, MP for Clwyd West, has today expressed his disappointment following the announcement that NatWest bank plans to close one of its branches in the area.
NatWest has announced its intention to close nine banks across the North Wales region, including its Ruthin branch. The announcement comes just over a year after the closure of the bank’s branch at Rhos on Sea.
NatWest has said that the decision has been made as a result of a decline in transactions in banks, with more customers using online banking.
David Jones said:
‘I am extremely disappointed by this news.
‘Banking facilities are crucial, particularly in rural communities who are without fast broadband speeds, and communities where there are a large number of elderly people, without easy access to transport.
‘I am aware that residents in rural communities surrounding Ruthin struggle with poor internet coverage and slow broadband speeds. They simply cannot rely solely on online banking. This will potentially come as a serious blow to them.
‘I have contacted NatWest to express my concern. They have assured me that, after closure, they will make facilities available for customers to continue banking in Ruthin.
‘Nevertheless, I have arranged a meeting with senior bank officials to discuss the issue further and hope to be seeing them next week.’
