Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP, Gerald Jones and AM, Dawn Bowden have hosted a community meeting in the Brewery Sports and Social Club, Rhymney following the recent announcement of the proposed closure of the Lloyds Bank branch on Rhymney High street.
The meeting was attended by dozens of local residents along with local Councillors Carl Cuss, Gaynor Oliver, David Harse and John Bevan. While invited, nobody from Lloyds Bank was available to attend.
The MP and AM have now requested a follow up meeting with Lloyds Bank to take up the community’s concerns.
Speaking after the event, Gerald Jones MP said:
“This was a really important meeting for residents to raise their concerns about the closure. Residents raised a number of concerns around the lack of information available from the bank and the fact that some customers had found out about the proposals via conversations with friends and neighbours. Lloyds Bank has some very long-standing customers in Rhymney and surrounding area, many of whom have banked there for well over 50 years.
“It’s deeply disappointing to see that Lloyds Bank appear to have turned their back on our community, and I am looking forward to meeting with Lloyds Bank to raise with them the concerns of local residents.”
Dawn Bowden AM said:
“I was very disappointed to hear that Lloyds Bank would be closing their branch in Rhymney. The Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff Bay has tried to build up our valleys community with numerous initiatives and investment. The closure of the bank branch is a bitter blow to these efforts.
“I have previously met with Welsh Government Ministers to discuss how we can work to make Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney thriving communities. Alongside meeting with Lloyds Bank, I will continue discussions with them to see how we can continue to develop our community.”
Residents also raised concerns around the alternative arrangements being suggested by Lloyds Bank including some mobile provision and are seeking guarantees to ensure that any alternative will provide the necessary facilities needed by residents and local businesses.
