Lloyds Bank - Sioned Williams MS (English)

I’m extremely angry that Pontardawe will be left without a bank following Lloyds decision to close their branch in November 2025. 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.

Sioned outside lloyds bank

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.

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14.03.25 - “Deeply disappointing” Lloyds response on Pontardawe bank closure - Sioned Williams MS

25.02.25 - Link agree to revisit original cash access assessment decision

Following on from my request to LINK for them to review their cash access assessment for Pontardawe, I am very pleased that they have agreed to look again at the availability of these important services in the wake of the decision by Lloyds to close. Cash services, and access to cash is still very important for residents and businesses in Pontardawe and neighbouring communities.You have told me that local alternatives will not deliver the range of services needed, nor be suitable to meet local demand. I included this in my letter to LINK, and I hope that they will take these onboard as they conduct their review. While this review is being done, I will continue to speak to Lloyds Bank and others to try to ensure that Pontardawe and the communities of the Swansea valley will have access to essential financial services.

20.02.25 - The last bank in the Swansea Valley - Sioned Williams MS (English)

13.02.25 - “Clear and overwhelming” strength of public feeling on Pontardawe bank closure

04.02.25 - First Minister Question

I asked the First Minister about action to improve public transport for people who live in the valley communities of my region.

This is even more important following the news the last bank in the Swansea Valley will close in November.

I was disappointed the First Minister referred to that devastating news as “annoying”.

Watch here

31.01.25 - I have been out and about in Pontardawe hearing from locals.

The response from residents and businesses today was overwhelming: Lloyds Bank closing in Pontardawe - the LAST bank in the Swansea Valley - will have a devastating impact on the community. This isn’t just about a place that handles people’s money, it enables local businesses to stay cash-based, it brings people into the town centre and it’s always busy.

Watch here