Ceredigion’s MP Mark Williams has expressed concern regarding Santander’s announcement at the end of last week to terminate its contracts with all of the 139 agencies across the UK who provider Santander services, including the agency in Cardigan.

Customers in Cardigan will now have to travel an hour to either Carmarthen or Aberystwyth so use a Santander branch.

Commenting Mark Williams said:

‘This sudden withdrawal of services by Santander across rural areas is worrying, particularly given the unexpected nature of the announcement, and the seeming lack of consultation with the wider community.

‘Ceasing this service will leave those in Cardigan who bank with Santander facing a journey of an hour by car to reach their nearest Santander branch, particularly effecting the elderly and those who are unable to travel far. The option of internet banking which is often suggested as an alternative by banks simply does not apply to many in Ceredigion, with poor or no access to the internet. There is also the job’s in Cardigan pf those employed in the agency who now face redundancy to consider. I have written to Santander relaying these concerns, and urging them to think again.’