RBS bank closure plans criticised by North Wales AM

Plans to close more banks across north Wales – including in Wrexham – have been criticised by a North Wales Assembly Member.

Last week the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) announced that it would be closing 162 branches across the UK, citing “recent changes to the world of banking” as its decision.

On Tuesday it was confirmed that the RBS branch on Lord Street in Wrexham town centre would close on July 26th 2018.

RBS in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay will also close – leaving Prestatyn as the only branch in north Wales.

The closures have been criticised by Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s North Wales AM, who says the decision by RBS shows that Wales need a “community bank that serves communities and small businesses”.

“The decision by the RBS to close three of its four branches in north Wales is just the latest in a long line of bank closures our communities have suffered,” said Mr Gruffydd.

“After years of encouraging customers to bank online they claim there is little footfall to justify these closures.

“The fact is that they’ve abandoned all pretence to be community banks, despite being bailed out by taxpayers. Customers – in particular small businesses that need to cash up at the end of the week – will rightly feel abandoned as RBS effectively disappears from the North.

“It shows once again that Wales needs a community bank that serves local communities and small business rather than one driven by profiting shareholders.”