AN MP has called for action to save high street banking services after all Prestatyn branches are set to close.

Dr James Davies, MP for the Vale of Clwyd, said the UK Government should work with major banks to encourage an equal distribution of services across the UK.

Last month Barclays and HSBC confirmed plans to close their Prestatyn branches in the spring and summer. It dealt a huge blow to the High Street after TSB decided its branch will close in March. Santander and Yorkshire Building Society closed in 2017, leaving Principality Building Society as the only in-store financial service available in the town.

A rise in online banking has been cited for a wave of other bank branch closures across North Wales in recent years.

Dr Davies raised the issue with Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in the House of Commons on Tuesday, urging for talks to be held with major banks to encourage a fair distribution of in-store services across the UK.

He said later: "It is not just about accessing cash. Many in Prestatyn are concerned about losing other services that banks provide.

"Whilst I appreciate that the majority of people now choose to do their banking online, a substantial number of my constituents still prefer to do things in person and are greatly worried that they will be unable to do this when all the banks have closed in Prestatyn later this year. Businesses are also concerned about the impact of the closures on their day-to-day operations.

"As I have previously said, if banks are adamant on closing, then they need to ensure that adequate alternative provisions are available to their customers. The loss of every single bank for a town with the size, demographics and shopping facilities of Prestatyn is extremely disappointing.

"I will continue putting pressure on the banking sector to work together to look at the needs of the people of Prestatyn."