A Plaid Cymru MS said he is “disappointed” with the response from a major bank over the closure of a branch in a Gwent town.

Last month Peredur Owen Griffiths wrote to Santander after they announced they would be closing their Blackwood branch and reducing opening hours at their Caerffili branch.

In this letter, the Member of the Senedd for South Wales East wrote: ‘Before becoming a Senedd Member, I spent many years working in the retail banking sector for companies like Abbey, The Principality and Santander. I actually worked briefly at the Blackwood branch and could see firsthand how valued that branch is to the town and beyond.

‘Loyal Santander customers relied on it for their banking and the personal touch they got inside the branch.

‘The branch was also invaluable to the thriving businesses of the town centre who will be forced to travel much further afield when banking their takings.

‘In making this decision, have you considered the impact upon the digitally disenfranchised? I have been the Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Older People and know how much of a problem branch closures are.

‘Older people often lack the knowledge or even the confidence for E-Banking. This is true for many disabled people as well.

‘At a time when Santander is boasting of huge profits exceeding targets and returning 10 Billion Euros to shareholders, this is not a good look.

‘I urge you to reconsider your decision with regard to the Blackwood branch as well as your decision to reduce the opening hours of the Caerffili branch.’

In response, a spokesman for Santander wrote: ‘I want to reassure you that Santander is committed to ensuring customers can safely bank with us through a range of channels, including in-person at branches and ATMs, or through our online and telephone banking services.

‘We will be contacting all impacted customers regularly over the coming months with support, with additional support for vulnerable customers including proactive follow-up phone calls from branch colleagues.

‘As you note, customers can also use over 11,000 Post Office branches for their banking needs.’

Following the response, Peredur said he was “deeply disappointed.”

“Banks like Santander make huge annual profits and their loyal customers are a big reason for this,” said Peredur. “This is a poor way of repaying people in Blackwood and the surrounding area for their custom over the years.

“I am deeply disappointed that large corporations such as Santander are quick to forget the customers – not to mention the staff in branches like Blackwood - who make their business the success it is.

“I would not be surprised if Santander customers now vote with their feet and take their business elsewhere.”

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