AMs set date for HSBC meeting over Llangollen branch closure

TWO Assembly Members say they have not given up the fight to retain HSBC services in Llangollen after finalising details of an urgent meeting with the company.

Conservative North Wales AM Mark Isherwood and Ken Skates, the Labour AM for Clwyd South, will meet the bank’s regional director Rachel Thomas in Cardiff on December 5 to put forward their concerns over the planned closure and discuss ‘any available options’.

Mr Isherwood said: “I am pleased to have secured a meeting with HSBC and I am glad to have the opportunity to put forward people’s concerns about the bank’s plans to close the Llangollen branch in February. The turn-out at the protest last week just goes to show the strength of feeling over this in the town, and we can only hope HSBC takes note.”

Mr Skates, who is based in Llangollen, said: “I am grateful to Mark for arranging this meeting – this is a major issue and needs cross-party support.

“I am looking forward to sitting down and seeing if there is anything that can be done to keep HSBC services in Llangollen and I am ready to discuss and explore any available options, including whether the building can be put to community use should the company follow through on its plans.”

“I am only too aware how angry and upset people are about this, and HSBC’s arrogance and refusal to engage with the community certainly hasn’t helped matters. With the closures of branches in Cefn Mawr, Rhos and Corwen in recent years the bank appears to be turning its back on the area, so they should not be surprised if some of their loyal customers in my constituency now decide to turn their backs on HSBC.”