Part of 1. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:31 pm on 6 December 2016.
In the past few months, two major banks have closed branches in Delyn—HSBC in Flint and Barclays in Holywell, with NatWest now being the latest to announce they’re closing a branch in Holywell as well. Whilst I recognise the steps these banks have taken to ensure that personal banking customers can access their accounts within the post office, in many areas, the future of these post offices are far from certain as well. On Friday last week, I was discussing this in Sweeney Ted’s Barbers in Holywell—and I can confirm people have only walked out with their hair cut—with regard to the problems created by this other bank closure and the specific impact perhaps on rural communities and those businesses that have to travel further with substantial amounts of money. So, I’m sure, you, First Minister, share my concern, and other Members, of the impact of these branch closures, and I’d like to ask what Welsh Government advice and support is available for small businesses in town centres that are impacted by such closures.