Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has praised a new banking service available in Prestatyn following a recent visit to what he described as an “excellent community facility”.
Earlier this month Barclays Bank opened its Community Banking site in the town.
The new service is based at the Library on Kings Avenue, and is open every Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am until 4pm, and every Saturday from 9.30am until 12pm.
It is a cashless facility established to provide help with banking queries, support with financial difficulty and advice on digital banking.
James said:
“In response to the bank’s closure of its branch in the town back in 2021, I discussed with Barclays such a facility for customers, and I am very pleased that they listened and have delivered.
“The Community Banking service is an excellent facility in the town and is much-needed given the bank closures we have witnessed in the town centre in recent years.
“I recently visited the community banking site, and whilst it doesn’t replace the services that were on offer when Barclays had a permanent presence in the town, it does provide an excellent service to local customers and prevents them from having to travel to Rhyl or elsewhere to speak to a member of staff face to face.
“There are still a good number of people who are not confident managing their finances online and I therefore particularly welcome the support and advice Barclays are providing on digital banking for these customers.”
As well as being told about the services they offer and the response they have received from customers, during his visit James also asked the bank about the potential for a Community Banking site in Denbigh/Ruthin, following the closure of branches in the two towns several years ago. This has forced customers to travel to Mold to access banking services from Barclays.
He added:
“They told me that while there are no plans at present, they would be happy to consider sending their mobile van to suitable locations across North Wales to establish demand for their community banking services, which I was very pleased to hear. I have linked the bank up with the county council to explore options further.
“Having helped secure the commitment to a banking hub for Prestatyn, I also asked Barclays whether they will be participating and was pleased to be told that they are fully supportive of any community shared banking hub established in Prestatyn.
“Prestatyn High Street was left without a single bank or cash machine, despite being a busy regional shopping centre.
“Following a campaign, and thanks to Cardtronics and Principality building society, we now have free-to-use cash machines in the town centre, but this does not replace the face-to-face banking service so many of my constituents, particularly the elderly, liked and miss.
“Community services such as the one Barclays are providing are very welcome, but a banking hub could provide much more. It would facilitate cheque and cash deposits, and cash withdrawals, and banking staff from each of the big banks would be based in the hub on specific days to help customers with community banking issues. I will continue working to ensure that the commitment for a hub in the town is delivered as soon as possible.”
