Elin Jones, local Plaid Cymru AM for Ceredigion, has expressed her anger at the decision by RBS banking group to close its NatWest branches in Aberaeron and Tregaron.

The bank has today (13 August) announced that it will close Aberaeron branch on 4 November this year, with Tregaron to follow on 24 November. The move follows its decision last year to close Llandysul and New Quay branches.

Plaid Cymru is launching a petition against the change.

Elin Jones, local AM for Ceredigion, said: “NatWest customers in Aberaeron and Tregaron will be dismayed at this news. Four branches in Ceredigion will have been closed in the space of a year. Their claim to be investing in giving customers ‘greater choice’ in how they bank will sound very hollow to their customers in Aberaeron and Tregaron.

“I’ll be calling on the bank to reconsider this decision. If it does press ahead with the closure, we need greater clarity on the future of cashpoints, and outreach services via the Post Office and mobile banking.”

Catherine Hughes, County Councillor for Tregaron, said: “Coming after the loss of Barclays, this is a hugely disappointing blow. It will be particularly galling for customers who moved their business to NatWest.

“NatWest should reconsider its decision. Tregaron is a hub for a wide rural area, with a long tradition of people coming to do their banking business here on market days. The majority of this bank is owned by the taxpayer. They have an obligation not to ignore communities such as ours.”