Tonia and Labour colleagues oppose bank closures

Labour's Gower representatives and local Councillor in Clydach have jointly written to the UK CEO of Barclays Bank and HM Treasury, following the announcement that the branch will be closing in September 2017.
 
“I am very concerned about our older residents for whom online banking just isn’t a realistic option”.
 
Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: "I am very concerned about our older residents for whom online banking just isn't a realistic option. Lots of older people prefer to use cash and manage their household budget on a week to week basis. Travelling considerable distances to use the bank is not as easy as it sounds for people who don't have a car, particularly for those who are older or disabled."
 
Cllr Paulette Smith is concerned about the local independent traders in the area, Cllr Smith said: "Clydach has numerous independent retailers, and small businesses need access to a local bank in order to manage their money. Business people in Clydach are extremely concerned about what Barclays departure will mean for them and their ability to operate."
 
Rebecca Evans AM said: "We all know the pressure that the high street banking industry is under because of advances in technology and changes in customers' banking behaviour. However, it is often the most vulnerable who suffer the most, and the closure of one bank after the other across our communities is just not good enough. We have written to the UK CEO of Barclays and the UK Government's Economic Secretary to the Treasury seeking a much more strategic and innovative approach to community banking to stem the tide of banks leaving our high streets in Wales."