Community

Fight continues for South Pembs banking hub as Kurtz MS demands rethink

Published

7 months ago

October 8, 2025

THE FIGHT to bring a shared Banking Hub to South Pembrokeshire has been reignited after Samuel Kurtz MS called on LINK to reconsider its decision not to open one in Pembroke Dock.

The Member of the Senedd has written to LINK, the UK’s cash access coordinator, formally requesting a fresh assessment following the closure of the town’s last remaining bank branch.

Lloyds Bank on Dimond Street closed on June 26, 2025, leaving South Pembrokeshire without any in-person banking facilities. Mr Kurtz says LINK’s original review, carried out in January, failed to reflect the realities of life in the area — overlooking geography, demographics, and the number of cash-reliant businesses that depend on local banking access.

Mr Kurtz said: “The closure of Lloyds in Pembroke Dock has left tens of thousands of residents and local businesses without access to basic banking services. LINK’s original assessment was based on outdated assumptions and missed key evidence about deprivation, age, and digital exclusion in South Pembrokeshire.”

He added: “Pembroke Dock isn’t just a town — it’s the main service and retail hub for communities stretching from Pembroke and Tenby to Angle and Saundersfoot. It’s simply not fair or practical to expect people to travel 40 miles or more to the nearest full banking service. It’s time for LINK to take a fresh look at this decision.”

In his letter, Mr Kurtz highlights several key points for reconsideration, including:

Inadequate alternatives: Post Offices cannot offer key services such as financial advice or business banking.
Cash-based economy: Local retailers and traders are heavily reliant on cash transactions.
Regional significance: Pembroke Dock serves an estimated 54,000 residents across South Pembrokeshire.
High deprivation and digital exclusion: Parts of Pembroke Dock are among the 10% most deprived areas in Wales, with only 65.1% of homes and businesses able to access gigabit broadband.
Ageing population: One in four Pembrokeshire residents are aged over 65, many of whom struggle to bank online or travel long distances.
Travel barriers: Journeys to alternative branches in Haverfordwest or Carmarthen can take more than an hour by car, and much longer on public transport.
Community backing: Over 640 people have signed an online petition, with further signatures gathered by Pembroke Dock Town Council.

Mr Kurtz also points to the empty former Lloyds Bank premises on Dimond Street as an “ideal, ready-to-use location” for a Banking Hub.

He said: “Other towns with smaller populations and lower deprivation levels have been awarded Banking Hubs. There is no reason why Pembroke Dock — with its size, catchment area, and clear community need — should be treated differently.”

Mr Kurtz has urged LINK to carry out a full and updated review of banking provision in South Pembrokeshire, taking into account new data gathered since the original assessment earlier this year.

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

5 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

5 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.