Last Friday (18th December), Russell George AM, Glyn Davies MP, the County Councillor for Llanfyllin, Cllr. Peter Lewis, and the Mayor of Llanfyllin, Cllr. Ann Williams, met with HSBC management. HSBC has recently announced its decision to close its branches in Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion from Friday 12th February.
Following the meeting with HSBC, Russell George AM said:
"During the meeting with HSBC’s senior management, I presented results from my recent residents’ survey which showed overwhelming support for the retention of both branches in Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion.
"In spite of our calls for them to reconsider, they were not willing to reverse their decision and keep these branches open. However, they informed us that customers will be able to access their accounts at the local Post Office in both Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion.
"During the meeting, both Cllr. Lewis and Cllr. Williams were strong advocates for the people of Llanfyllin and I’m pleased that we have such dedicated Councillors to fight for our local community."
Cllr. Peter Lewis, County Councillor for Llanfyllin added:
"The closure of banks is having a devastating effect on our rural villages with the elderly and disabled the most disadvantaged.
"There are still significant issues with the quality and reliability of mobile and broadband signals in this part of Montgomeryshire so mobile banking doesn’t always replace permanent over the counter facilities.
"Not only does a bank closure lead to increased distance and travel time to nearby branches, but many retail businesses say local spend follows banks to larger communities."
The HSBC Branch manager in Welshpool, Sandy George, has said she would be happy for any customer who has questions to call her directly. She can be contacted on 03455 846 022.