Community

Last bank in Pembroke Dock closes its doors marking end of an era

Published

6 months ago

June 26, 2025

PEMBROKE DOCK will lose its last remaining high street bank when Lloyds Bank on Dimond Street shuts its doors for the final this week (Thursday, June 26, at 4:30pm)

The closure means not only Pembroke Dock, but the entire south Pembrokeshire area, will be without any high street banking facilities. Local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz described the situation as creating “a banking desert,” leaving residents and businesses without essential face-to-face banking services.

Mr Kurtz, who has been actively campaigning for a banking hub—a shared facility operated by several major UK banks—has suggested that the now-vacant Lloyds Bank premises would be an ideal location for such a hub.

“The situation as it stands is simply not sustainable for our residents and local businesses,” said Mr Kurtz. “The decision-makers must now step forward and provide the essential banking services our community clearly needs.”

Last month, Mr Kurtz initiated an online petition urging LINK, the organisation responsible for assessing community banking requirements, to reconsider the need for a banking hub in Pembroke Dock.

“Although LINK is currently unconvinced of the need for this hub, I remain dedicated to advocating for its creation,” Mr Kurtz explained. “I deeply appreciate everyone who has supported and signed the petition.”

He also expressed gratitude towards the bank’s employees, acknowledging that the closure was beyond their control: “I thank the Lloyds staff for their valuable service to our community. This closure highlights even more strongly the urgent need for a banking hub in Pembroke Dock, which would serve not just the town but the broader south Pembrokeshire area.”

Mr Kurtz emphasised that while online banking is adequate for many, face-to-face banking remains crucial for elderly residents, small businesses, and others who rely on personal banking services.

“The loss of Lloyds Bank is devastating for our communities,” he said. “People across south Pembrokeshire should not be forced to travel significant distances for basic banking services. Despite claims by LINK that current ATMs and Post Office facilities are sufficient, the reality is very different.”

Mr Kurtz is continuing to call for widespread community support from residents, local businesses, and community councils to bolster the formal request for the establishment of a banking hub in Pembroke Dock.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)