Post Office talks over banking services

Talks have been held with Post Office officials regarding the future of banking services in Montgomeryshire towns and villages.

Banks have continued to turn their back on the area, with closures becoming commonplace in recent years, but Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, invited Post Office management to meet with him to see if they can pick up the slack.

Following the meeting, Mr George said: “I was pleased that senior Post Office management agreed to come to Mid Wales to discuss the banking services which it can offer to fill the gap left by the closure of bank branches across North Powys.

“While I acknowledge that the Post Office is unable to offer all of the services which a bank provides, the Post Office offers more services than people realise from processing bill payments, ordering foreign currency and even dealing with personal and business banking transactions of virtually all banks.

“Using the Post Office as a one stop shop could also make local Post Offices more sustainable and I was pleased that Post Office management committed to looking at what other services it may be able to provide in the future.

“They also agreed to look at concerns relating to confidentiality, queuing, staffing hours and signage especially when Post Office facilities are housed in convenience stores such as in the Spar in Llanidloes.”

Last year, Welshpool lost its NatWest Bankwhile other towns like Llanfair Caereinion have also lost branches.

PICTURE: Russell George, AM, meets Post Office bosses in Montgomeryshire.