North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood, who met HSBC last November at their now closed Caergwrle Branch to discuss branch closures in his regional constituency, is concerned that they have this week announced they will be closing three more Branches in the region - Holywell, Holyhead and Llanwrst.

Speaking in the Assembly last year, Mr Isherwood, who is a qualified banker, called on banks to consider the impact of closures on constituents.

He is therefore concerned that the views and needs of customers are not being considered and banks are forging ahead with further closures.

He said:

“As with previous Branch closures across North Wales, HSBC blames increased ‘interactions with customers’ through their ‘digital channels’, although concerns have again been raised by constituents regarding the impact this will have on them and their communities.

“Having an accessible local Branch is important for older people, those without transport, those without internet access, shopkeepers and small businesses. It is very difficult for many customers to travel to those Branches which remain in other locations.

“I have been engaging with HSBC, including face-to-face meetings,  as branch after branch has been closed across North Wales. I have also received notification today from Yorkshire Building Society of their planned Branch closures across North Wales – including Prestatyn and Abergele.

“We cannot allow these closures to continue unchallenged. I appreciate that Banks and Building Societies have to move with the times, but this is a further devastating blow for local residents and businesses.”