Reacting to the news that the Blackwood branch of Santander is to close in June, Peredur Owen Griffiths, Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for South Wales East, said: “This is disappointing news for the town and the surrounding area. Having worked in retail banking for much of my adult life, I know how important bank branches are to a community.

“I actually worked in this branch briefly and I know how busy and how important it was to the people of Blackwood.  

“Shoppers and nearby businesses rely on branches like this heavily and they are an anchor for much of the local economy.

“Bank branches are especially important to older people and people who, for whatever reason, struggle with IT and new technology.

“This closure – and the reduction of hours at the Caerffili branch – is a retrograde move and I will be making representations to Santander over this.”  

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