Madam,

In June Tywyn is set to lose its last bank. Barclays claim this decision is justified on three counts. First, we are no longer using counter services in sufficient numbers. Second, we’re happy to bank ‘on-line’. Third, we’re all going cashless.

Since Barclays won’t provide figures to support these assertions, our membership decided to seek out the facts for ourselves. Our survey was carried out in April and May in Tywyn, mostly outside Barclays branch. Those completing it were of all ages, the great majority local residents. Visitors to the town on May Bank holiday also took part, all of whom spoke strongly about the need to keep the cash machine and identified similar problems caused by bank closures in their own home towns.

In one claim – and only one – Barclays are correct. Most of those surveyed say they are now banking ‘on line’. However, it doesn’t follow that they are no longer using counter services. Most are and they want to continue doing so. Many people say they have only gone ‘on line’ after being pushed to do so by their banks. Many raised security concerns about internet banking. Not only many of our older residents but also some of our youngest said they were unsure of the technicalities of operating on line. Many respondents feel that bank closures are contributing to the destruction of face-toface community.

Above all, our survey found that there is a huge demand for a cash-based economy in Tywyn. One hundred per cent of our survey of 100 said they would be affected negatively by the closure of yet another cash machine. They are adamant that they want the Barclays ATM kept. The message couldn’t be clearer: people want free and ready access to cash.

We need to keep a dedicated bank in town. Naturally, businesses and individuals resent the hit to their pockets and time which round trips to Dolgellau and Aberystwyth will involve, should this bank close. People wonder how long it will be before the banks retreat from there too into their golden towers. We say, change your mind Barclays, look after your customers first, not third. Keep the Tywyn branch and its cash machine open.

Yours etc, Quentin Deakin, Chairperson, South Meirionnydd Branch Labour Party, Corbett Avenue, Tywyn.

Have your say on the local issues affecting you - email [email protected] or join in the conversation on our Facebook page