PLANS by HSBC to close three of its branches in Meirionnydd, which would leave Blaenau Ffestiniog without a bank, has sparked a petition in support of angry residents and businesses.

HSBC is planning to close branches in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Tywyn and Barmouth by September. The news comes less than a year after Natwest closed its branches in the towns.

County councillor for Blaenau Ffestiniog, Mandy Williams-Davies, described the proposed closure as “tragic”, and this week MP Liz Saville Roberts launched a petition against the closures.

Cllr Williams-Davies added: “This is a town that has a thriving, entrepreneurial tourism sector, second to none in north Wales; a traditional mining town that is vibrant in its social community enterprising and has received investment of £3.1m from the European Union in recent years.

And today, the finance sector has officially announced it is leaving the town.”

Fellow county councillor Annwen Daniels, who represents Bowydd a Rhiw residents, added: “What message does that relay to any individual, business or company thinking of investing or setting up a new business here in Blaenau Ffestiniog?”

MP Mrs Saville Roberts said: “Reports regarding the future of HSBC branches in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Tywyn and Barmouth are extremely worrying. The impending closure of these branches will be a devastating blow to local residents, and businesses, especially those who cannot drive, the elderly and disabled people.

"This news is compounded by Natwest’s decision to pull its services out of the towns last year.

“HSBC’s decision to terminate its operations will leave Blaenau with no bank, whilst Tywyn and Barmouth will be reduced to just one bank.

"How long will it be before the future of those branches are put into doubt?”

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News