Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar has hit out at NatWest Bank following its announcement that it will be closing its Ruthin branch next year.
The bank has blamed a rise in telephone and internet banking for the closure, which will take place on June 13th 2017, but Darren said this is no excuse for removing such a vital facility from the town and compared the bank to Scrooge for announcing the closure just prior to Christmas.
He also warned that it could put the future of the historic Old Court House, built in 1401, in which the bank is based.
Darren said:
“I am extremely concerned and disappointed that NatWest have taken this decision.
“There may have been a rise in the number of people using the internet and telephone banking, but having an accessible local Branch is important for older people, those without transport, those without internet access, shopkeepers and small businesses. This branch serves a wide rural area and it is very difficult for many customers to travel to branches which remain in other locations.
“They have failed to take any of this into consideration and I know this will be a great cause of concern for many of my constituents. Not everyone likes to do their banking online and this closure will mean people having to travel to NatWest’s nearest branch in Mold, which is over ten miles away.
“This closure will inconvenience personal and business customers, leaving them without advice and support from branch staff and undermine efforts to support local high streets by leaving a prominent building empty.
“The bank’s decision could also put the future of one of the most beautiful and historic medieval timber framed buildings in Denbighshire at risk.
“While I appreciate that banks have to move with the times, this is a devastating blow to Ruthin and to deliver this news just prior to Christmas makes them no better than Scrooge!
“I will be seeking a meeting with Natwest as soon as possible to express my concerns.”