BANKS should consult with communities before considering closing branches, a Gwent MP has said.

Islwyn MP Chris Evans was speaking as HSBC prepares to close its branches in Risca and Usk at the end of next week.

He was one of a group of MPs who signed an Early Day Motion this week calling on banks to consult with communities and local representatives before deciding to close branches.

The Labour MP said: “Banks provide a vital service and local branches are relied on heavily by the most vulnerable in our communities including the elderly and the disabled, many of whom are unable to use online or telephone banking.

“It is extremely disappointing that banks, including HSBC, are closing branches across the country without consulting with or showing any regard for the local communities or businesses who will be most affected by closures.

“I sincerely hope that banks including HSBC take a much more active role in future in consulting with local communities and businesses before closing the branches they rely on.”

After the closure of the Risca bank was announced in March Mr Evans launched a petition against the closure, which attracted almost 300 signatures.

HSBC customers will have to travel to Blackwood, Cwmbran, Chepstow, Pontypool or Newport to visit a branch.

The bank previously said the majority of customers of the branches used online or telephone banking, making it unviable to keep them open.