Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for Ynys Môn Rhun ap Iorwerth is set to write to Barclays to express serious concerns after it was announced customers of the bank would no longer be able to withdraw funds from their accounts at Post Office branches.

Barclays has already closed 481 branches since 2015 — leaving many communities dependent on post offices. The bank’s announcement last week means customers will be denied vital access to cash at local post offices from January, and that people on Anglesey will have to travel to the only Barclays branch on Ynys Môn in Llangefni to withdraw cash.

This is despite almost 30 British banks committing to a new Post Office scheme that promises to ensure millions of customers have access to cash. Barclays is the only bank that has opted out of withdrawals as part of the new deal with the Post Office.

Plaid Cymru AM Mr ap Iorwerth said:

“It is disappointing – even though we are now used to being disappointed by the high street banks – that I have to draw attention to Barclays’ recent decision, which clearly continues to close the door on our rural communities.

“A constituent from Penysarn got in touch this week, after receiving a letter stating that she will not be able to withdraw money from her Post Office branch from January 2020, but she can continue to bank her money and checks at the Post Office, of course.

“In this particular case my constituent fears that she will have to travel to Llangefni, her nearest branch, to pick up her pension, but she is disabled and cannot use the bus on her own.

“I understand Barclays would launch a ‘cashback’ scheme involving small businesses in remote areas and towns – where there is no branch or ATM within 1km, but what about the rural villages where the Post Office is the only business?

“This is another sign that Barclays is forgetting about their wider social responsibilities to all of the communities it serves. I will be writing to Barclays to express my concerns regarding this matter and urging them to reconsider their decision.”