THE NatWest Bank is to close its branch in Crickhowell, it has been confirmed.

The bank part of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) group, of which the UK government owns more than 70 per cent, said its Beaufort Street branch will close on November 24.

Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams said if the bank closes, Crickhowell would be left without an out of hours cashpoint.

Crickhowell’s county councillor John Morris has promised to close his account if the branch closes.

The Liberal Democrat said: "This is a vibrant town that needs banking facilities and a personal approach. This is doubly difficult to comprehend as there are a number of housing developments in the area that will bring more demand.

"I personally have banked with the NatWest in Crickhowell since 1988 but will seek to bank elsewhere if the bank is closed."

Local MP Chris Davies said he has sought to arrange a meeting with RBS.

Ms Williams, the Welsh Lib Dem leader, said: "This announcement is very bad news for residents and businesses in the area. These banks have a duty of care to customers who set up accounts with the expectation that there will be a local branch to visit.

"Often, the people who use these branches will be elderly or not have access to internet banking.

"The loss of an out of hours cash point will also be a major blow to the many excellent pubs and restaurants in and around the town."

Conservative Mr Davies said: "Crickhowell is one of the busiest towns in Brecon and Radnorshire and the decision by RBS to close this branch yet again shows how they are not recognising the needs of local people in our rural communities.

"This closure will put more pressure on business owners and the people in the area. I have attempted to arrange a public meeting with RBS and as yet they are not very forthcoming, I am hopeful they will reconsider and listen to the views of local people."

RBS said it is 'working hard to ensure alternative ways for people in the area to continue to bank with it' including allowing customers to check their balance, deposit and withdraw funds at the local Post Office

It added only 30 customers use the branch on a regular weekly basis and 16 of these already use other branches in the area.

Crickhowell also has a Lloyds Bank.

Last year RBS closed its NatWest branch in Talgarth, the only branch in the town.

A petition against the closure has been set up on the Brecon and Radnorshire Lib Dems website.