SPURNED bank customers will be able to access a weekly mobile banking service following intervention by the local MP.

NatWest will be closing its Dolgellau branch in May and concerns have been raised over the lack of banking services in the town.

Liz Saville Roberts MP says she has met with NatWest chiefs and secured a weekly mobile banking service for the town.

She added that the mobile service, which starts in May, is no substitute to an actual branch and high street banks should be doing much more to meet the specific banking needs of rural communities.

She said: “Many communities across Dwyfor Meirionnydd already feel abandoned by high street banks and have very few options remaining when it comes to finding alternative local banking methods.

“Following NatWest’s decision to close their branch in Dolgellau, I convened an urgent meeting with bank bosses to ascertain what provisions would be put in place to meet the specific banking needs of their loyal customers.

“This issue goes to the heart of financial inclusion for Dwyfor Meirionnydd residents and is a pattern which is fast becoming the norm across many rural communities.

“Although I welcome confirmation from NatWest that their mobile banking service will now call in Dolgellau, after exerting pressure on bank bosses, it will be a poor replacement for having a bank in town.

“Mobile banks do not offer the same reliability or level of service customers have a right to expect and are subject to delays due to traffic and other external factors.

“Mobile banking is no replacement for an actual branch, but since the decision was taken to close the branch in Dolgellau we must now ensure alternative provisions, whatever they may be, sufficiently meet the needs of local people.

“I look forward to visiting the mobile bank once it is up and running.”

The mobile bank will be arriving each Monday from 2pm until 2.45pm at the Marian Car Park, starting from 14 May.