MP demands probe into bank closures

 

* From left: Julia Glover, manager of The Hair Shop,

Chirk, Susan Elan Jones MP and staff and customers at The Hair Shop.

Susan Elan Jones MP has visited 55 small and medium-sized businesses in Chirk and Ruabon to discuss the impact of local bank closures with business owners and customers.

The Clwyd South MP said: "Since HSBC decided it was going to close its Chirk and Ruabon bank branches, we've all been working very hard to try and keep cash-points open and free and sort out other practical things, like paying-in arrangements at local Post Offices.

 

"However, as local MP, I'm also committed to taking things further in Parliament.

 

"What we're seeing in our area is happening right across the UK. Most small towns and villages in this country don't have high street banks any more.

 

"It's totally unacceptable and a very different set-up from the USA and many other Western countries where regional banks with high street branches are the norm. It will be a long and hard campaign, but we need a big change in banking in our country."    

 

As part of her campaign, Susan Elan Jones MP has already met with Iain Wright MP, Chair of Parliament's Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee, who has agreed to her request for a full national inquiry into bank closures, and access to finance for small and medium-sized companies.