IT MAY be a new year but a sad day has already been marked in the calendar for customers in Ruthin as another bank announces its plans to close.

On April 20, Barclays will be closing their branch in Ruthin. The closure is said to be down to "low and falling transactional volumes" at the branch.

Customers will be notified by letter from tomorrow (Friday).

Darren Millar, AM for Clwyd West, said he is "disgusted" by the decision and has asked for a meeting with bank chiefs.

He said: "It’s the second proposed branch closure in my constituency in recent times. This is very, very disappointing news.

"I'm angry about this decision. It follows hot on the heels of the closure of the NatWest in the town last year and a decision to close the Barclays Abergele branch; it shows a distinct lack of commitment to loyal customers and communities in North Wales.

"The closure will leave a huge void on St Peter’s Square and inconvenience individuals and businesses across a large area.

"I have already made representations to Barclays expressing my strong opposition to their plans and requested an urgent meeting with senior decision makers in the hope that they will listen to sense and reverse their plans."

Once the branch closes its doors, nearest branches for customers will be located at Mold and Llangollen.

General transactions, including over branch counters (including paying in a cheque or depositing cash), can be completed at the Post Office located at 18 St Peters Square, Ruthin.

Barclays has been approached for comment.