March 19, 2025 - 969 views
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has criticised the planned closure of yet another bank in his constituency.
In recent years, a substantial number of banks in Conwy and Denbighshire have closed their doors, forcing customers to travel miles to neighbouring towns to do their banking.
Mr. Millar is therefore disappointed to learn that Santander are now following suit and will be closing four of their North Wales branches, including Colwyn Bay.
He said: “I was very saddened to hear that Colwyn Bay will be losing yet another bank in the town.
“In recent years the town has witnessed the closure of several large name banks, including Barclays and HSBC, and I am therefore extremely disappointed that Santander has now added its name to the list.
“Banks are constantly telling us that the reason for bank closures is due to a change in the way people bank today, with more of their customers opting for online banking.
"Whilst I understand this, there are still customers who like to do their banking in person, particularly the elderly and vulnerable for who the thought of having to do everything online is quite daunting.
" And of course, we must not forget the many local businesses who depend on having access to a town centre bank."
“Bank closures are happening at an increasing pace, with little thought being given to their customers and staff.
“To lose four Santander branches in North Wales in one hit is a real concern and I will be writing to the company to express my deep concern.”
As well as the Colwyn Bay branch, North Wales will see the closure of Santander branches in Caernarfon, Holywell and Holyhead.
The bank has said that areas impacted by branch closures will be catered for by "community bankers", offering "face-to-face money management and general support for customers, visiting local communities weekly, as well as attending local Banking Hubs".
Santander will be contacting all potentially vulnerable customers affected by the closures via phone to explore ways of assisting them.
The Colwyn Bay branch will close on July 24th 2025.
