Banks closing in rural UK, online banking almost impossible
Staff Writer |
News that 20 banks across Wales are to be closed in 2018 has sparked criticism from the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
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The NatWest bank branches facing closure are Porthcawl, Whitchurch in Cardiff, Llandaff in Cardiff, Pembroke, Treforest Estate, Ammanford, University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, Cardigan, Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, Dolgellau, Chepstow, Lampeter, Maesteg, Pencoed, Llandeilo, Rumney in Cardiff, Milford Haven, Talbot Green, Mumbles in Swansea and Narberth.
This latest announcement will bring the total to 259 branches — 62 RBS outlets in Scotland and 197 NatWest sites in the rest of the UK — leaving it with 744 branches across the country.
Reacting to the Welsh closures FUW President Glyn Roberts said: "The closure of those 20 banks will have a detrimental effect on the towns, as they serve not only villages but many of the neighbourhoods in surrounding areas, as well as providing employment to local people.
“These banks are 70% owned by the UK taxpayer, so we have to ask why are there no conditions to the bailout that guarantees access to such services. It is clear that Governments must do more for rural Wales.â€
In addition the FUW is concerned that internet banking is still not option in all rural areas across Wales as many people will not have an appropriate internet connection- if they have a connection at all, and others may be worried about banking online for cyber security reasons.
"We have run cyber security workshops in co-operation with Barclays bank over the past few months, which should help our members become more savvy internet bankers, however the problem of internet access remains a huge problem for these rural areas.
"With more and more rural services and businesses being closed down, we must also acknowledge that it is becoming less and less attractive for young families and indeed business owners to remain in rural areas." ■