PORTHMADOG residents have hit out at plans by NatWest to close its branch in the town.

The banking giant has announced it will close nine branches in north Wales, including the Porthmadog branch on the high street.

NatWest bosses say the closures come after a fall in bank transactions being carried out at their branches, but their move is being challenged by Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts and Porthmadog community leaders.

Mrs Saville Roberts says local people were increasingly losing faith in high street banks, compounded by the decisions of big high street names to close rural branches.

The MP has now called on NatWest to comply fully with the British Banking Association’s recently-published review into bank closures and be open and transparent with the local community.

She said: “I’m fed-up of hearing that customers can choose online banking as this fails to take into account the poor broadband service experienced in many parts of Wales, such as certain areas in Dwyfor Meirionnydd."

Porthmadog town councillor Angharad ab Iorwerth, added: “The closure will also have a terrible impact on jobs.”

A spokesperson for Natwest said: “The way people choose to bank with us has changed radically over the last few years.

“We are communicating with our customers affected by the closure and proactively contacting vulnerable and regular branch customers.”

The bank is earmarked for closure on 30 May, 2017.

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