Bosses at Barclays Bank will not reverse its decision to close its branch in Nelson.
Caerphilly MP Wayne David, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP Gerald Jones, Caerphilly AM Hefin David and Nelson councillor Sean Morgan all met with senior representatives of Barclays to discuss the closure, which is set for December 16 this year.
Cllr Morgan said: “The four of us were very critical of the decision to close this branch without any consultation. We are however continuing to press the case for local people to continue to be given the best service possible.”
Mr Jones added: “The decision to close the branch will have serious knock on effects for Barclays customers in the surrounding area, including the southern parts of my constituency.
“I’ve been assured that Barclays are taking the needs of their customers in Nelson and the surrounding area seriously, but we will monitor this situation closely to ensure that our constituents can get fair access to their banking services.”
While the bank are not prepared to reverse their decision to close the branch, Barclays bosses have agreed to keep in contact with their customers to ensure they are able to continue to use the bank’s services, a decision which pleased Mr David.
He said: “We were disappointed that Barclays were not prepared to reconsider the closing of the branch but we are pleased that they were prepared to discuss measures to ensure that their customers continued to have access to their services.
“Our meeting was therefore worthwhile and people in the area can be assured that we will continue to press for the continuation of the bank’s services.”
Dr David added: “I am encouraged that Barclays Bank are willing to give their support to measures to help the communities of Nelson and the surrounding area.
“We must do everything we can to ensure that the economic and social problems of the northern part of our valleys is not made worse”