A public meeting will be held at Welshpool Town Hall on Monday (3rd April) at 6pm to discuss NatWest’s disappointing proposal to close its branch in Welshpool.
The Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, Russell George AM, has arranged the public meeting to gather the views of local residents and to discuss the ramifications of the proposed closure.
Since NatWest’s decision became public last week, local community campaigners, Ruth Canning and Des Parkinson, have been collecting signatures for a petition in opposition to the proposed branch closure.
Mr George hopes that the strength of feeling in the local community will see the bank reconsider its decision to close its Welshpool branch, which is scheduled for closure on 27thSeptember.
In advance of the public meeting, Mr George said:
“I have convened this urgent public meeting to garner the views of local residents with the aim of providing a united front to NatWest in opposition to the proposed closure of its Welshpool branch.
“It is disappointing that representatives from NatWest won’t be at the meeting, but they will be meeting with me and community leaders in the near future to discuss their plans.”
NatWest’s decision to close its branches in both Welshpool and Machynlleth follows a series of bank closures in Montgomeryshire in recent years.
Mr George has previously argued that mobile or online banking doesn’t replace permanent over the counter facilities, especially for business, elderly or disabled customers, and has called for an alternative community banking model which will see banks maintain their presence on Powys’ high streets.
Local campaigner Des Parkinson added:
“Given the strength of feeling on this issue within Welshpool and the neighbouring communities, who rely on NatWest’s over-the-counter services, I hope that they will have little option but to respect their customers’ views and reconsider this bitterly disappointing decision.
Ruth Canning who is leading the petition along with Des Parkinson added:
“The decision to maintain the Welshpool branch is ultimately a commercial decision for NatWest.
"However, the groundswell of support for our petition has already gained the support of hundreds of local residents – many of whom are loyal customers of NatWest. This surely cannot be ignored.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The public meeting will be held at Welshpool Town Hall on Monday 3rd April 2017 between 6pm and 7pm. For more information, please contact the office of Russell George AM on 01938 559608 or email [email protected]
For a copy of the petition or to indicate your support for Ruth Canning’s and Des Parkinson’s campaign to Save NatWest in Welshpool, please email: [email protected] or phone 01938 559608.