Call for rethink on HSBC bank closure
Banking giant HSBC has been urged to reconsider its decision to close a bank near the Shropshire border.
During a Welsh Assembly debate on bank closures, North Wales AM Mark Isherwood called on the firm to consider the impact of closures on constituents, especially in Chirk, which he said has half a million visitors each year.
Mr Isherwood, who is a qualified banker, referred to the planned closure of HSBC's Chirk and Ruabon branches, both of which will leave the towns without a bank.
Branches in Llafyllin and Llanfair Caereinion have also closed in the past week.
He said: "Speaking here in November 2013, after HSBC announced the closure of branches in Llangollen, Conwy and Beaumaris, I stated that widespread concerns had been raised by constituents regarding the impact this will have on them, the wellbeing of the businesses in their towns, their communities, and the thousands of tourists who visit the area.
"They're afraid that rural areas are taking the brunt and believe that we need to take a longer term, truly customer-focused approach. However, HSBC told me that low customer usage meant that the bank was unable to reverse its decision.".
The company has previously said it has no plans to make a U-turn.
