Public meeting to discuss closure of Welshpool NatWest bank

Residents in Welshpool will get the chance to have their say on the proposals at the meeting organised by Russell George, assembly member for Montgomeryshire.

The bank has announced it will close its Welshpool branch on September 27, with two other Mid Wales branches also shutting.

Since NatWest’s decision became public, local community campaigners Ruth Canning and Des Parkinson have been collecting signatures for a petition in opposition to the proposed branch closure.

Mr George said he hopes that the strength of feeling in the local community will see the bank reconsider its decision to close the branch.

He said: “ I have convened this urgent public meeting to garner the views of local residents with the aim of providing a united front to NatWest in opposition to the proposed closure of its Welshpool branch.

“It is disappointing that representatives from NatWest won’t be at the meeting, but they will be meeting with me and community leaders in the near future to discuss their plans.”

Mr George has previously argued that mobile or online banking doesn’t replace permanent over the counter facilities, especially for business, elderly or disabled customers, and has called for an alternative community banking model which will see banks maintain their presence on Powys’ high streets.

Local campaigner Des Parkinson said: “Given the strength of feeling on this issue within Welshpool and the neighbouring communities, who rely on NatWest’s over-the-counter services, I hope that they will have little option but to respect their customers’ views and reconsider this bitterly disappointing decision.

Ruth Canning who is leading the petition along with Mr Parkinson, said the support for the petition could not be ignored.

The meeting will take place at Welshpool Town Hall on Monday at 6pm.