AS Barclays Bank Plc announces profits of over £6bn this week, the AM for Brecon and Radnorshire has said she is dismayed that the bank is pressing ahead with plans to close its Rhayader branch.
Kirsty Williams said: “I am dumbfounded that Barclays is closing branches like the one in Rhayader at a time when it is making such massive profits.
“These branches provide a much needed service to the people of rural areas such as Rhayader and they help keep the heart in our communities and high streets.
“I have written to Business Secretary Vince Cable and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg over the issue, asking that they look at the legislation governing the banks, to make sure that banks must give a commitment to providing service for rural areas.”
Barclays has confirmed it will close its Rhayader branch as planned in March, transferring staff and customers to either Llanidloes or Llandrindod Wells, citing a drop in the number of customers using the branch.
The banking group has reported pre-tax profits of £6.07bn for 2010. Shares rose by more than 5 per cent following the announcement.
However, total staff costs rose by 20 per cent last year to almost £12bn, of which £3.5bn was paid in bonuses.
Dozens of protesters have turned out in Rhayader in recent weeks opposing the plans. Customers will soon face either a 24-mile round-trip to Llanidloes, or a 20-mile round-trip to Llandrindod Wells from March.