A PUBLIC meeting to discuss the closure of the NatWest Bank in Cardigan will be held at the town’s Guildhall on Thursday night (January 18) at 7.30pm.

The town was rocked with the announcement in December that the branch at High Street is to close on May 30 as part of a string of closures throughout Wales totalling 20 branches.

In light of the announced NatWest closures in Ceredigion, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) called the meeting with Plaid Cymru to discuss a way forward with local MP Ben Lake and AM Elin Jones. A similar meeting has already been held at Lampeter.

FUW Ceredigion chief executive Mared Jones said: “The closure of these banks will have a detrimental effect on our local towns, as they serve not only villages close by but many of the neighbourhoods in surrounding areas, as well as providing employment to local people.

“We are therefore holding open meetings with our local elected representatives to discuss a way forward and I hope many of you will be able to join us.”

Carmarthen and East Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards met with senior representatives of the bank in Westminster before Christmas.

He said: "I am disappointed that NatWest won't consider a public consultation or reconsider its decision. Big commercial banks are happy to turn to the taxpayer when they need us but turn their backs on us when it suits them.

“I will be working with colleagues to advance the community banking model concept that rural Wales so desperately needs.”