Council leader hits out at Caerleon bank closure (From South Wales Argus)

Newport council leader hits out over HSBC closure in Caerleon

2:28pm Sunday 29th July 2012 in Gwent news By David Deans - Politics reporter

THE most vulnerable people in society would be hit by the closure of Caerleon's only bank, the leader of Newport council said.

Labour's Bob Bright has added to the howls of protest over the move by HSBC to shut its Backhall Street branch on November 2.

Cllr Bright said the move was extremel disappointing and added: "Once again, it is the most vulnerable in our society wo are likely to be the hardest hit by such a move."

He said all three ward councillors were doing everything they could to prevent the closure, and called on HSBC to listen to their concerns.

He added: "It would b a chance for at least one of the major banks to resore some of the trust the public has lost in this industry in recent times."

Meanwhile Newport West MP Paul Flynn said his constituents were deeply angry and that alternatives offered are not practical.

Mr Flynn, writing to the firm, said he was approached by the leader of a pensioners' group in Caerleon who pointed out the "enormous difficulties" they would have in accessing HSBC services in Newport and in Cwmbran.

"The alternatives you offer are not practical ones for several hundred of my constituents," he said.

"It does seem to be extraordinary that a bank that has nationally and internationally disgraced itself so spectacularly should be content to reduce the service that it is offering to the community of Caerleon.

"The revenue involved is a minute amount, the loss of facilities is serious."

HSBC said customer use of the branch had fallen significantly over the past few years. It is moving customers to Cwmbran.