Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd candidate for the Vale of Glamorgan Sally Stephenson and regional Senedd candidate for South Wales Central Rodney Berman are calling on HSBC to keep its branch on Holton Road in Barry open.

Following the recent announcement that HSBC intend to close 82 branches across the United Kingdom, they are urging the bank to reverse this decision.

HSBC on Holton Road is set to close on Friday 3 September.

Sally said the closure announcement was a "bitter blow" for Barry residents: "HSBC bank is a vital lifeline for many of our local businesses and elderly residents, some of whom aren't able to do online banking.

"And with many public-access facilities currently closed due to the pandemic, it's harder than ever for those with less access to technology to do their banking digitally."

Rodney added: "This closure will mean residents having to travel to Penarth, Cardiff or Cowbridge to access the nearest alternative branches.

"This will be very inconvenient for many people. It's crucial that the most vulnerable communities, and those in need, should be able to access services and do their banking in person."

Jackie Uhi, HSBC UK's Head of Network said of the closures: "Over the last few months, we've been conducting a number of pilots to test out a range of potential future branch formats at different locations to make sure we are giving customers what they want where they want it.

"Our findings have led us to create four new and distinctive formats that we believe will be well-suited to serve the different local markets that we operate in, with a branch network that is fit for the future.

"We know there will always be a need for face-to-face customer support and the evolution of our branches very much takes that into account.

Residents looking to sign the petition can click HERE .