LLANIDLOES’ last remaining bank will close its doors in November in a move described as a “betrayal” of residents.

Barclays on Great Oak Street will shut despite local politicians receiving assurances in 2015, after Barclays decided to slash opening hours at the branch to three days a week, that the branch was still part of the bank’s plans.

Llanidloes lost its HSBC branch in 2013 and Natwest in 2014, and is now faced with life without a bank for the first time in well over a century.

Barclays have confirmed in a letter to Russell George AM that they intend to close the only remaining bank in the town on 10 November.

In the letter, Barclays say that customers will be expected to travel to Newtown to use the nearest Barclays branch or use the Post Office for transactions such as paying in cheques or depositing cash.

“When Barclays reduced its opening days at the branch two years ago, I met with bank officials then, and firmly made the point that the decision should not be a slippery slope to complete closure,” Mr George said. “They assured me at the time that having branches on the High Street was still very much part of their plans.

“I’m therefore angry and disappointed at Barclays’ decision to close its branch in Llanidloes which simply does not reflect the commitments they made to me just two years ago. The bank has betrayed the people of Llanidloes and the surrounding areas.

“They know full well that it is the only remaining branch in the town and unilateral decisions like these only confirm that these giant banking groups have absolutely no regard for communities in mid Wales who rely on their services.”

Cllr Phyl Davies, who represents the Blaen Hafren ward and, as mayor of the town, met with Barclays officials two years ago said: “It is inconceivable for a town the size of Llanidloes to have no over-the-counter banking facilities whatsoever and I will be doing everything I can to change this decision.

“I believe Barclays will be sent a loud and clear message from the people of Llanidloes that there is overwhelming public support for the branch to remain. I believe they are treating loyal customers with contempt.”