News

Pembroke Dock braced for bank closure as MP slams Lloyds boss

Published

6 months ago

June 7, 2025

Chadwick: ‘Closures are a betrayal of loyal customers’

WITH just weeks to go until Lloyds Bank shutters its Pembroke Dock branch, local fears are mounting over the growing number of rural Welsh towns left without in-person banking services.

The closure, scheduled for Wednesday, 26 June, will see the town lose its last remaining high street bank. It forms part of a wider programme of branch closures by Lloyds Banking Group, which will see 136 sites shut across the UK by March 2026.

Now, MP David Chadwick has spoken out in Parliament, challenging Lloyds Bank CEO Charlie Nunn over what he called the “abandonment” of customers in favour of profit. While Chadwick’s speech focused on the planned closure of Pontardawe’s branch in November, his remarks have struck a chord with residents in Pembrokeshire, where similar concerns are being voiced.

Chadwick, who represents Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, accused Mr Nunn—who received a £5.6 million pay package last year—of presiding over decisions that bring “misery” to the elderly and vulnerable.

He told MPs: “Lloyds claims it is closing branches due to lack of footfall. Yet in Pontardawe the queues regularly run out the door. That is not a lack of demand. It is a deliberate choice to walk away from loyal customers.”

His comments reflect growing unease in Pembroke Dock, where residents have relied on the Dimond Street branch for decades. While Lloyds has pledged to introduce a “Community Banker” scheme and pointed to services at the local Post Office, campaigners argue this is no substitute for a fully operational branch.

The Herald understands that Lloyds customers in Pembroke Dock will be directed to Haverfordwest—over 15 miles away—for in-person banking once the local branch closes.

Chadwick added: “These are people who have entrusted Lloyds with their life savings, who Lloyds have profited off for decades. The banks may have forgotten their customers in Wales, but I have not.”

Lloyds Bank has yet to issue a further statement on the Pembroke Dock closure, which is still expected to go ahead as planned.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

9 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

9 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

9 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.