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Economic Development

Barclays closing Caernarfon and Porthmadog branches in 'devastating blow'

Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon, Hywel Williams, has urged the banking giant to reconsider the proposals

Barclays bank building in Caernarfon(Image: Reach PLC)

Barclays are set to close branches in Caernarfon and Porthmadog.

The banking giant says it will close Caernarfon on February 18 next year with Porthmadog to shut on February 25.

Porth customers will be re-directed to branches at Pwllheli and Dolgellau while Bangor will be the nearest branch for those who bank in Caernarfon.

The branch in Port Talbot will also close.

In a letter to Barclays CEO C. S. Venkatakrishnan Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon, Hywel Williams, said: “As you are no doubt aware, the Barclays branch in Caernarfon has long been a linchpin of the local high street, providing essential banking services to the local community and businesses.

"I am therefore deeply concerned by the decision by your bank to close its local branch as this will increase banking exclusion, particularly for the elderly and rural communities, and undermine the local economy.

“Having read your Bank’s explanation with great interest, I accept that the way in which people bank is changing.

Arfon MP Hywel Williams(Image: Daily Post)

"However, I would argue that while pre-pandemic trends were clear, the ongoing pandemic has underlined the importance of local services, while the perennial issue of broadband access in rural areas continues to deny rural communities the ability to use alternative banking services.