Two more Montgomeryshire bank branches are to close their doors.
It has emerged that HSBC is to close its Llanfair Caereinion branch as well as another at Llanfyllin.
It comes after the bank closed its Llanidloes branch as well as other rural branches over recent years.
Residents and campaigners say the move is another blow to people and businesses in Montgomeryshire.
As a result of the Llanidloes closure and in previous years the closure of Montgomery, many residents who do not wish to undertake online or telephone services have been left without bank services.
Many businesses are also concerned as they have to make other arrangements to bank cash and use essential business services, often having to travel to towns such as Newtown and Welshpool to bank money.
HSBC intend to close Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin branches in February next year, claiming both branches have become “financially unviable” and no longer generating the custom needed to justify their continued operation.
HSBC have stated the closures will not result in any redundancies, with staff from both branches being redeployed to other branches.
Commenting on today's announcement, Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said: “The closure of the HSBC banks in Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion is a huge blow to both towns.
“Along with those who care about our rural services, I am shocked and deeply disappointed by these decisions. HSBC currently proposes to close the banks on 12th February, and I have already agreed to meet HSBC's Regional Director Rachel Thomas to find out what hope there is of a change of heart.
“It's vital that HSBC make it a top priority to discuss new arrangements with elderly customers, and to lessen the impact of this decision as far as possible if the bank decides to force these proposals through."
Montgomeryshire's Assembly Member, Russell George added: “I share the great disappointment that today's decision will mean for the people of Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion.
“It is vital that HSBC, if it follows through on today's proposals, ensures that special arrangements are put in place to help all those who have loyally supported HSBC over many years, and often many decades. I too hope that HSBC will think again, before implementing these devastating changes."
