Closure of last permanent bank in Abertillery is 'a real blow'

Politicians and officers from Blaenau Gwent council are to meet with the bank to press the company on how it will support vulnerable customers and businesses after the closure on May 10.

The closure means there will be no permanent bank left in Abertillery.

Blaenau Gwent council leader, Cllr Nigel Daniels, said: "I was extremely shocked and disappointed to learn of Barclay’s decision to close its Abertillery branch.

"Whilst I understand there has been a shift towards online and mobile banking there are still people for whom this is just not possible, and many of these are unable to travel to another branch.

"These people are among the most vulnerable in our communities.

"I am also deeply concerned about the detrimental effect this will have on local businesses that use the branch for their banking needs."

Cllr Daniels is due to meet with representatives from Barclays, together with the council’s executive member for regeneration and economic development, Cllr Dai Davies and head of regeneration at the council, Ellie Fry.

Cllr Davies added: "This is a real blow for the town of Abertillery and for all the residents and businesses that use this branch for their banking needs.

"We need to use our position as leaders in local government to push Barclays on just how it plans to support the people affected by what we feel is ultimately the wrong decision."

NatWest, Lloyds Bank and Santander have all pulled out of Abertillery in recent years.

Barclays says the decision has been made due to declining usage.

Richard Stockland, Barclays community banking director for the area, said: "The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices.

"At Barclays Abertillery branch, customer usage has continued to decline, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close it.

"We hope that the availability of our other branches at Barclays Blackwood and Ebbw Vale and access to banking services at the local Post Office currently located at 1 Foundry Bridge, Abertillery, along with our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers."

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The bank says it will discuss alternative banking options with customers and businesses before the closure.

It says customers will be able to undertake everyday transactions at the Post Office.