LOCAL politicians have blasted a major banking firm for refusing to back down on a decision to close three key branches.

Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz Saville Roberts, has accused HSBC of showing “no regard whatsoever” to the specific needs of rural communities, as the high street banking giant confirmed plans to close branches in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Tywyn and Barmouth in September.

Last week (8 August) Mrs Saville Roberts and local councillors from Tywyn, Barmouth and Blaenau Ffestiniog met with HSBC bosses to plead the case for keeping local branches open and presented the bank with a petition signed by over 800 people asking the bank to reconsider its decision to axe services.

However HSBC said its decision to close three branches in Dwyfor Meirionnydd was “final”, despite a fierce campaign opposing the closures.

Mrs Saville Roberts said: “I’m bitterly disappointed that HSBC are determined to push ahead with the closure of these three branches despite overwhelming opposition from community leaders, businesses and local people.

“Their so-called ‘consultation’ was nothing of the sort."

A HSBC spokesperson said: “We have conducted a thorough review of these branches and have had to make the difficult decision to close the branches which have seen a reduction in footfall by 40 per cent.

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