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Labour politicians have condemned the announcement that Barclays is closing its Caerphilly town branch.

According to the banking giant, just 12 customers regularly use the branch, on Cardiff Road, as their only means of banking. It will close permanently on October 13 this year.

“Body blow”

Caerphilly’s Member of Parliament Wayne David; Senedd Member Hefin David; and the county council’s deputy leader councillor Jamie Pritchard, who also represents the Morgan Jones ward, have jointly written to Barclays to request an urgent meeting with bank bosses.

Wayne David MP described the closure as a “body blow to Caerphilly town” and said it was disgraceful there had been no public consultation.

He said: “Everyone must now work together to ensure that the public, particularly those who do not use online banking, are helped as much as possible.”

Senedd Member Hefin David said the closure was going to have a big impact and that he had serious concerns of another empty building on a town’s high street – especially after Barclays closed its Bargoed branch earlier this year.

He said: “I once again urge Barclays to work on ensuring they don’t just leave behind a derelict building, and for them to play their part in encouraging a new business into the property in a timely manner.”

Cllr Jamie Pritchard added that banks had a responsibility to residents.