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Concern for vulnerable as Pembroke Dock’s Lloyds branch to close

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PEMBROKE DOCK will lose its last remaining high street bank when Lloyds Bank closes its branch on Dimond Street on June 26, 2025.

The closure will leave the town without a dedicated banking service, a decision that has been met with disappointment from local representatives.

‘A significant impact’

County Councillor for Pembroke Dock, Joshua Beynon, has strongly criticised the move, urging Lloyds to reconsider.

“I’m deeply disappointed to learn that Lloyds Bank will be closing its Pembroke Dock branch,” he said. “This decision will have a significant impact on local residents, businesses, and those who rely on in-person banking services.

“While Lloyds is introducing a Community Banker, this simply does not replace the full services of a branch.

“Many vulnerable customers, elderly residents, and those without access to digital banking will be left struggling.

“Local banking services are vital for our community, and I urge Lloyds to reconsider or, at the very least, strengthen their support for those affected.”

The branch, currently open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm, is the last high street bank in Pembroke Dock following the closure of Barclays in 2019. The former Barclays building has since been converted into a beauty salon.

Nationwide closures

The closure is part of a wider cost-cutting strategy by Lloyds Banking Group, which is shutting six Lloyds and Halifax branches in Wales and 136 across the UK. The bank cites a shift towards online banking as the reason, reflecting changing customer habits.

However, critics argue that Lloyds has actively encouraged customers to switch to digital services, reducing face-to-face interactions and pushing them towards self-service machines and online transactions.

Consumer advocacy group Which? has been tracking the trend of bank branch closures and reports that more than 6,000 branches have shut down in the UK since 2015, highlighting the scale of the issue. The closures have sparked concerns among community leaders, consumer groups, and banking unions about the impact on local access to financial services.

Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz, visited the branch to speak with staff and assess the situation. While he welcomed the fact that no jobs would be lost at this particular branch, he emphasised the importance of maintaining banking services in local communities.

“Businesses use this bank, customers use this bank, so ensuring that we’ve got access to cash and access to banking services in our towns and on our high streets is really important,” he said. “That’s what I’ll be pushing for when I’m back up in Cardiff Bay.”

Not great for customers: Lloyds bank in Milford Haven closed in 2016 (Pic: Herald)
Lloyds Bank gone: Main Street branch closed its doors in 2016 (Pic M Hillen)

Concerns for vulnerable customers

The Digital Poverty Alliance estimates that around 11 million people in Britain struggle to access and use online services, while a survey by Age UK found that 40% of people over 75 do not use the internet at all. The closure of physical bank branches is expected to disproportionately affect elderly customers, people with disabilities, and those on lower incomes.

The trend of bank closures has led to mixed reactions from various stakeholders, reflecting a divide in opinions about the shift towards digital banking. While some argue that online services offer convenience and security, others highlight the difficulties faced by individuals who rely on in-person banking.

Union involvement

The Accord union, which represents Lloyds employees, has reached out to all impacted members, offering guidance and support during this transition. The union has committed to minimising compulsory redundancies and ensuring fair compensation for departing employees.

“These reactions reflect the broader concerns about the impact of branch closures on local communities, particularly regarding access to cash and in-person banking services for vulnerable populations,” an Accord representative stated.

Post Office steps in

In response to the closure, the Morrisons Daily and Post Office in Pembroke Dock has reassured customers that it will continue to provide essential banking services.

Customers will be able to check their balance, deposit cash and cheques, withdraw money, request change, and access foreign currency at the Post Office. The service is available seven days a week from 6:00am to 10:00pm.

“Any Lloyds customers unsure of their future banking plans are welcome to visit us, and our staff will be happy to explain how we can help,” a spokesperson for the Post Office said.

Community Banker Support

Lloyds has confirmed that a Community Banker will be available to assist customers who may struggle without a local branch. These bankers will operate from designated community venues or Banking Hubs and will offer a range of services, including:

  • Card and PIN services, including reporting lost and stolen cards or ordering replacements.
  • Assistance with managing accounts, including updating personal details, viewing and ordering statements, and closing accounts.
  • Support with Internet Banking and the Mobile Banking app.
  • Guidance on Telephone Banking services.
  • Help with payments and transfers, including setting up Direct Debits and standing orders.

Additionally, Community Bankers will be available to support customers facing financial difficulties, including those dealing with bereavement, appointing third-party account management, fraud concerns, and general money worries. Business customers will also receive guidance on account management and select card and payment services.

Lloyds has encouraged customers to locate their nearest Community Banker for further support and to ensure continued access to essential banking services.

Business

Major solar farm approved for Pembrokeshire

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A NEW solar farm set to generate green electricity for thousands of homes has been approved in Pembrokeshire.

The 8.6 MW project, featuring more than 14,000 solar panels, was originally developed by One Planet Developments Limited before being acquired by Shawton Energy Limited. Planning permission was granted last year, and construction is expected to commence soon, with energy production anticipated later this year.

Once operational, the solar farm will generate enough electricity to power approximately 2,500 homes annually, reducing carbon emissions by more than 2,000 tonnes each year.

Jamie Shaw, CEO of Shawton Energy, said: “Acquiring this ready-to-build asset marks a significant step for Shawton Energy as we continue to help UK businesses achieve their sustainability goals while lowering energy costs. This project strengthens our growing solar portfolio and reinforces our commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure.”

Robert Wall, director of Shawton Energy and head of sustainable private infrastructure at Lazard Asset Management, added: “We are pleased to support Shawton Energy’s expansion and investment in local renewable energy projects. The increasing demand for electricity requires diverse renewable solutions, and this solar farm will provide UK businesses with the low-cost energy they need.”

One Planet Developments’ business development director, James Stoney, welcomed the project’s progress, stating: “We are delighted to have worked with Shawton Energy on this development. Having taken it from concept to a ready-to-build stage, we look forward to seeing the project come to fruition.”

Shawton Energy, part of the Shawton Group, has been active in the renewable sector for nearly three decades, developing large-scale solar, battery storage, and renewable energy projects across the UK. The company partnered with Lazard Asset Management in 2023 to accelerate the deployment of fully funded commercial solar projects nationwide.

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Business

Council take legal action against 686 Pembrokeshire-based businesses

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Scores of firms listed in court for non-payment of business rates

HUNDREDS of businesses across Pembrokeshire are facing court action for unpaid non-domestic rates (business rates), with a staggering number of cases listed at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 17).

The court list reveals that Pembrokeshire County Council is seeking liability orders against an astonishing 686 defendants.

The hearings will determine whether the council can proceed with enforcement measures against those who have failed to pay their dues. The proceedings fall under Regulation 12 of the Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) (Local Lists) Regulations 1989.

These liability orders, if granted, could result in enforcement action, which may include bailiff visits, seizure of goods, or other legal consequences for businesses struggling to meet their financial obligations.

The scale of the action highlights the financial strain faced by many local businesses, with concerns growing over the economic pressures forcing traders into arrears. The Herald understands that businesses across multiple sectors, including hospitality, retail, and services, are among those affected.

A local business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Herald: “The cost of running a business has skyrocketed, and many of us are struggling to keep up. We want to pay our rates, but when you’re dealing with soaring costs and reduced footfall, it becomes a real challenge.”

As the Welsh Government considers levying a Tourism Tax, the court action underscores the difficulties facing Pembrokeshire’s business community, as economic conditions continue to tighten.

The Herald will continue to monitor the outcome of these proceedings and report on any further developments.

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Business

Wales Tourism Alliance criticises Mark Drakeford’s visitor levy evidence

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THE WALES TOURISM ALLIANCE has strongly criticised comments made by Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford, during his evidence session to the Welsh Government Finance Committee regarding the proposed Welsh Visitor Levy. The WTA argues that Drakeford’s remarks misrepresent the scale of the tourism industry and downplay the potential economic consequences of the levy.

What is the visitor levy?

The proposed Visitor Levy, commonly referred to as the “tourism tax,” would allow local authorities in Wales to introduce a charge on visitors staying in overnight accommodation. The Welsh Government argues that this levy would help support local infrastructure and services used by tourists. However, industry representatives and local businesses fear that it will deter visitors, particularly in key tourism-dependent areas such as Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire, home to one of Wales’ most popular tourist destinations, Tenby, relies heavily on tourism revenue. Business owners, accommodation providers, and tourism operators in the county have expressed significant concerns that the levy could put off visitors, leading to reduced spending in local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Many have pointed out that, with the cost-of-living crisis already squeezing holiday budgets, an additional charge could push visitors to choose alternative destinations outside Wales.

Employment figures disputed

Drakeford claimed that the tourism and hospitality sector in Wales employs “a million” people and would not struggle to absorb the loss of several hundred jobs due to the levy. He also suggested that many tourism jobs are seasonal, have flexible hours, and are high-churn, implying that job losses would be manageable.

However, the WTA strongly disputes these figures, citing Welsh Government data that places the number of people employed in the sector at approximately 159,000. Given this significantly lower number, the loss of even a few hundred jobs would be far more impactful than Drakeford suggests. Furthermore, the WTA argues that seasonal and part-time jobs play a crucial role in providing employment opportunities, particularly for young people and those with caregiving responsibilities, such as parents and carers—groups that may struggle to find work in other sectors.

Concerns over data reliability

Drakeford also accused industry representatives, including the WTA, of selectively using worst-case scenario data in their evidence to the committee. The WTA rejects this claim, arguing that the data underpinning the Visitor Levy’s economic impact assessment is flawed and unreliable.

This concern was echoed by Professor Calvin Jones, the author of the Welsh Government’s own Visitor Levy Economic Impact Assessment. In his evidence to the Finance Committee, Jones stated: “We know very little about how the tourism economy in Wales works… we know very little about what drives visitors to come to Wales; we know almost nothing about how much they’re spending when they’re here… there isn’t even any data anymore on… how much is spent on accommodation… it should be a very uncomfortable place for Senedd Members to be when they’re trying to make policy or audit policy on tourism.”

Impact on families and educational visits

Drakeford defended the inclusion of children in the Visitor Levy by comparing it to VAT on sweets, arguing that children are not generally exempt from taxation. However, the WTA points out that this analogy is flawed, as children’s clothing, shoes, and books are zero-rated for VAT in the UK. The WTA also highlights that many other countries with tourism taxes exclude under-18s from such charges.

The per-person nature of the levy means that families will be disproportionately affected. For instance, two adults staying in accommodation for a week would pay a levy of £21, whereas a family of six would pay £63 for the same stay. Moreover, the WTA raises concerns that the levy will also apply to children on school trips and educational visits, adding an extra financial burden on families and schools.

Impact on Pembrokeshire’s tourism sector

Pembrokeshire businesses, particularly those in coastal tourist hotspots like Tenby, Saundersfoot, and St Davids, are among those voicing the strongest opposition to the levy. Many fear that it will discourage visitors from choosing Welsh destinations, instead opting for other parts of the UK or even holidaying abroad.

Tourism plays a vital role in Pembrokeshire’s economy, providing employment for thousands and sustaining local businesses. According to industry figures, over 4 million visitors come to Pembrokeshire each year, contributing hundreds of millions to the local economy. Hospitality providers in the region have warned that the levy could have serious repercussions, particularly for independent hotels, B&Bs, and campsites that rely on high occupancy levels during peak season to remain viable year-round.

A local B&B owner in Tenby, speaking to The Herald, said: “We are already seeing the effects of rising costs on bookings. If people are being asked to pay extra on top of accommodation prices, they will simply look elsewhere. We rely on repeat visitors and families who come year after year—this levy could drive them away.”

Wider economic impact

Drakeford dismissed the idea that the Visitor Levy would contribute to the cumulative challenges faced by the tourism and hospitality sector, stating that these issues “do not collide on all of the sector.”

The WTA strongly disagrees, asserting that tourism is a holistic industry where changes in one area inevitably impact others. They highlight several pressures already affecting tourism businesses, including:

  • The 182-day rule for self-catering properties.
  • National Insurance increases.
  • The removal of furnished holiday let tax relief.

According to the WTA, these combined factors are already forcing many small, locally-run self-catering businesses to close, further weakening the sector and putting more jobs at risk.

WTA’s final response

Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair of the WTA, criticised Drakeford’s approach, stating: “We are disappointed that Mr Drakeford is dismissing the valid concerns raised by industry experts and academics and making claims that are factually incorrect.

Many people in Wales are unaware that the Visitor Levy will apply to anyone staying in ‘Visitor Accommodation’—including children on educational visits and people working away from home, even if they already live in Wales.

The bottom line is that the Visitor Levy will cost people in Wales money and jobs—even in the best-case scenario presented by the Welsh Government. Mr Drakeford seems content to push through a policy that is poorly conceived, offers no guaranteed financial benefit to Wales, and threatens hundreds of jobs in an industry that employs over 20% of the workforce in some parts of the country.

Given the current economic climate, it is difficult to understand why the person responsible for managing the Welsh budget would consider imposing such a levy at this time.”

The debate over the proposed Visitor Levy continues, with industry representatives calling for more robust data, a clearer assessment of economic consequences, and a reconsideration of its implementation before the policy is finalised.

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