Rhayader branch of Barclays Bank to close

A bank in a Mid Wales town is to close because not enough people use it.

But councillors and politicians fear the decision by Barclays to shut its branch in Rhayader could drive trade away from the town.

Kirsty Williams, AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, is leading moves to persuade the bank to reconsider its decision to close the branch in West Street on March 25.

However, Barclays said today people would still be able to use the Llandrindod Wells branch 10 miles away.

It said the closure would result in no job losses. The three staff would be transferred to other branches.

It said the closure would result in no job losses. The three staff would be transferred to other branches.

But Mrs Williams said the decision was bad news for residents and businesses.

"At a time when banks are making massive profits, it is unacceptable that we continue to see the decline of our local facilities, such as the proposal to close the Barclays in Rhayader," she said.

Adrian Davies, Barclays network area director for North Wales, said the decision was not made lightly.

He said: "The branch has seen consistently declining customer numbers which means it is not sustainable to keep the branch open in its current format or on any further reduced opening hours. The branch will close on March 25.

"One of the considerations we are faced with is the low usage of the branch with transactions falling steadily in the last three years."