Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has expressed his concern at HSBC’s decision to withdraw its Welsh speaking customer service phone line and is calling on the bank to reconsider its position.

In a letter to Darren, HSBC announced that from January 15th next year it will no longer provide a Welsh service.

Responding to the news, Darren said:

“I am very concerned indeed at this retrograde step.

“As a major high street bank in Wales it is vital that services are offered to customers in both English and Welsh, both of which are official languages here in Wales.

“With so many branches now closed, customers rely heavily on telephone banking and I know the removal of the Welsh speaking customer service will upset and inconvenience a great many of HSBC’s customers here in Wales.

“They have said they can offer a call back in Welsh for those who request it, but this could take up to three days working days which is far from ideal!

“HSBC are able to offer their services in other languages globally, so why not Welsh?

“I have urged the bank to reconsider its position.”