Banking giant closing last Anglesey branch in 'deeply disappointing' decision
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A banking giant is set to close its last branch on Anglesey. NatWest has announced its bank in Llangefni will shut on September 4.
They said this follows a drop off in personal and business customers over the last five years. Currently nearly 300 customers use the bank each month.
It follows the closure of branches in Holyhead, Menai Bridge and Amlwch in recent years. The nearest branch for Anglesey customers will now be over the Menai Strait in Bangor.
The decision has come under fire from politicians on the island The Member of the Senedd and Member of Parliament for Ynys Môn described the decision as 'deeply disappointing".
In a joint statement, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS and Llinos Medi MP, said: 'NatWest's decision to close its Llangefni branch – the last remaining NatWest branch on the island – is deeply disappointing. It follows an increasingly worrying and unacceptable trend of commercial banks turning their backs on customers in rural communities.
"It's equally disappointing that this decision was made without informing elected representatives, leaving us unable to update our constituents.
'Everyone should have access to banking services in their community, and it's the responsibility of the banking sector to make sure that happens. Branch closures cause serious difficulties for customers and isolate many from being able to manage their finances, especially those unable to make use of digital services. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
'We'll make the case to NatWest to reverse its decision, as well as continue conversations with Link to ensure that no one is left behind because of this announcement.'
NatWest said it will offer some services locally following the closure.
They said: "We will introduce a community pop-up following closure that will be based in a community venue near to the closing branch."
"This service will be accessible for all and be available for up to 12 weeks, with a local colleague available to support with;
• face-to-face conversations around your banking needs
• support in setting up and using our digital services
• advice on how to protect yourself against fraud and scams.
"It is a cashless service, however we will provide information on how you can use your local Post Office for cash based transaction." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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