THE MS for Clwyd South says 'people are right to be angry' at the announcement that Llangollen's last remaining bank will close in the summer time.
Banks and building societies have been disappearing from our high streets over several years.
And that trend looks likely to continue with the final nail in the coffin set for Llangollen's last remaining bank.
The Barclays chain, on Llangollen’s Castle Street, remains to be the only physical chain left in the area.
But, last week, it was confirmed that the branch would be closing its doors on July 7.
Clwyd South MS Ken Skates has slammed Barclays for 'turning its back' on customers in the area.
Mr Skates said: "The news that yet another high street bank has turned its back on customers in our area is as unsurprising as it is disappointing.
“Over the years Barclays has repeatedly refused to guarantee the long-term future of the Llangollen branch, so we knew this was coming at some point despite the company’s insistence there were no plans to close it and despite the best efforts of local people.
“The timing of the announcement was telling, too - just before the Easter weekend when many people go away. People are right to be angry.”
Barclays says it plans to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site – in Llangollen to help customers after it closes its local branch.
A spokesperson said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking.
“This is reflected at Llangollen branch, and as we adapt, we are finding new ways to support our customers by maintaining our community presence with options for customers who still require in-person support.
“In Llangollen, we plan to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for banking support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel. We are currently working with the local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed.”
The company added: “We will be proactively engaging with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally.
“We will be offering virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch based banking.”
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