Public meeting called over bank closure

Sioned Williams MS calls meeting to hear residents’ views on plans to close last bank in Swansea Valley

Sioned Williams is standing outside Lloyds Bank in Pontardawe

Sioned Williams MS, who is both a resident of Pontardawe, and a Member of Senedd for the region, has expressed her “anger” at  Lloyds Banking Group’s decision to close their branch in the town.

The closure, planned for November 2025, will leave Pontardawe – and the whole Swansea valley – without a physical bank. 

Ms Williams has called a public meeting at 6pm on Thursday 6 February at Pontardawe Library to hear residents’ views.

In the meantime, she has opened a petition so that locals who are unable to attend the meeting can still let their views be known

SIGN THE PETITION

Sioned Williams has also written to the UK Labour Government to ask for “action on stemming the tide of banks leaving our high streets in Wales.”

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said:

“I’m extremely angry that Pontardawe will be left without a bank following Lloyds decision to close their branch in November. This is my local bank and I know how well used it is! The closure will leave a huge gap in the whole Swansea Valley. 

“I know a physical bank is needed by local businesses and residents – many of whom don’t bank online. Ensuring that we retain the ability to transact with cash in our communities is a matter of fairness and inclusion.

“For example as chair of the Cross-Party Group in the Senedd on Learning Disabilities, I’ve been backing Mencap’s campaign to ensure people can use cash to pay for goods and services. I’ve heard from many people across Wales who are not able to manage online banking, or use debit or credit cards, but they certainly have the capacity to use cash, and this is an important part of their independence. 

“For small businesses to be able to accept cash, they need a place nearby to deposit it. Banks therefore mean more to a community that just a place that handles their money – they enable the flow of cash through a community. 

“Big banking groups are quick to advertise themselves as the heart of a community, and happy to profit from that position, but seemingly take no responsibility for the consequences of their actions when they just up and leave. I think it’s a scandal that banks which makes huge profits are not obliged to provide services to the communities that have been faithful customers for decades.”

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