MP urges government action over Natwest bank closures

The bank said it would be introducing mobile van branch services to communities

An MP is calling on the UK government to put pressure on bank bosses planning to close 11 branches in north Wales.

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has tabled a question asking Business Secretary Sajid Javid to meet Natwest to discuss its plans set for September.

HM Treasury said making sure everyone had access to basic banking was part of its long-term plans.

Last week, Natwest said it had made the "difficult decision" due to a number of factors, including usage.

Corwen will be left without a bank when the Natwest branch closes

North Wales branches facing closure

• Conwy county: Abergele and Rhos-on-Sea

• Denbighshire: Corwen, Denbigh, Llangollen and St Asaph

• Flintshire: Buckley

• Gwynedd: Abersoch, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Tywyn

• Wrexham: Rossett

The MP has also asked the government to issue a statement on how it plans to support high street banking in the communities.

"High street banking is at crisis point across north Wales," she said.

"It is a disgrace that Natwest want to close the last branch bank in the growing town of Corwen and that they are also planning to turn their backs on businesses and individuals in the international tourist town of Llangollen."

The bank said it would be introducing mobile van branch services to each community.

Attempts will also be made to redeploy staff to nearby branches in a bid to keep compulsory redundancies "to a minimum".

A Treasury spokesman said: "Making sure that everyone has access to basic banking and financial services is at the heart of the government's long-term plan.

"That's why the government welcomed the industry-wide agreement announced in March which means that, from the first of May this year, banks need to work with their customers and local communities to minimise the impact of bank closures, and put in place satisfactory alternative banking services before a branch is closed."