A petition, which has been started by local community campaigners, Ruth Canning and Des Parkinson, in response to NatWest’s disappointing decision to close its branch in Welshpool, has earned the full backing of local Assembly Member, Russell George.
Mr George is supporting Mrs Canning’s and Mr Parkinson’s calls for NatWest to reconsider its decision to close its Welshpool branch and will urgently meet with NatWest bosses after news that the bank intends to close its branches in both Welshpool and Machynlleth on 27th September and 12th October respectively.
Mr George said:
"I would like to congratulate both Ruth Canning and Des Parkinson for setting up this petition so quickly in an effort to put pressure on NatWest to reconsider this bitterly disappointing decision. I’m pleased that we have such dedicated residents to fight for our local community.
"The closure of bank branches is having a devastating effect on Montgomeryshire’s town centres so Ruth and Des have my full support in their efforts to reverse this ill-conceived decision.
"This is another big blow for Montgomeryshire and follows a series of bank closures in recent years - from Montgomery and Llanidloes to Llanfair Caereinion and Machynlleth.
“While the decision to maintain a branch is ultimately a commercial decision for the banks, when I meet with NatWest bosses, I will be forcefully making the point that mobile or online banking doesn’t always replace permanent over the counter facilities, especially given the fact that the quality and reliability of mobile coverage and broadband speeds in parts of Montgomeryshire is still poor or non-existent.
“All the more reason for banks to work together to explore a new model of community banking which will see them share buildings and services to ensure they continue to have a presence on high streets throughout Montgomeryshire.
“Until an alternative solution is in place which is satisfactory to communities in Mid Wales, I urge NatWest to defer its decision to close its branches in Welshpool and Machynlleth.”
The petition has been organised by two local campaigners, Ruth Canning and Des Parkinson, who are putting their names forward as candidates in the forthcoming local government elections on May 4th.
Local campaigner and Welsh Conservative County Council Candidate in Welshpool Gungrog, Ruth Canning said:
“Des and I are delighted that Russell George AM is fully supporting our petition to save NatWest’s branch in Welshpool from closure. NatWest provides an invaluable service to Welshpool residents – its loyal customers.
“The presence of banks on our local high streets is essential if they are to flourish, not just for ordinary customers but particularly for local businesses which require a daily counter service. Many retail businesses say local spending follows banks away from our local high streets. Therefore, the potential of a bank closure can be far-reaching and we will be campaigning for an alternative solution which will see NatWest maintain its presence in Welshpool.
Local campaigner and Welsh Conservative County Council Candidate in Welshpool Castle, Des Parkinson added:
“I am very concerned that the senior management of NatWest have decided to close their Welshpool branch without any public consultation.
"Small businesses, particularly those engaged in retail activity, charity organisations and elderly or disabled residents are the most disadvantaged by bank branch closures and I will do everything in my power to get them to overturn this heavy-handed decision.”