I am writing to express the disappointment of the Ghaxaq council, which represents Ghaxaq residents and those of villages nearby, at the decision taken – without any consultations – for Bank of Valletta at Bir id-Deheb to no longer serve as a retail bank.

The bank is being turned into a business investment centre and the Ghaxaq local council became aware of this from the bank’s customers who asked whether the council knew about this decision. I do not know how this decision came about and why this particular branch was identified as a business centre, especially when one considers how many customers make use of it.

This bank is the only bank in Ghaxaq which serves Ghaxaq, Gudja and Bir-id-Deheb residents. People who live in Zejtun also made use of this bank as they often encountered parking problems when using the bank in Zejtun.

I do not think this is the way the bank should treat its clients who, after all, were loyal to it. The bank’s decision is also disrespectful to the elderly and those who have no means of transport.

I know that the decision to turn the bank into a business investment centre has been taken, yet I would like to ask BoV to consider dedicating a small part of the premises to an area for a cashier to operate. In that way, customers, especially the elderly, will continue to be served.

I hope that this request is received favourably and customers continue to show faith and confidence in the BoV’s services.