News
Co-op bank set to close it’s doors

Co-op Bank: To shut down (Pic M Hillen)
LESS THAN a week after the news that Brantano is going into administration, putting at risk its Pembroke Dock store, it has been reported that Diamond Street’s Co- Op Bank is set to close.
The 37 Diamond Street Cooperative Bank branch, which currently employs 8 staff, is due to close later this year on May 9.
Pembroke Dock’s mayor Peter Kraus expressed his concerns regarding the long-term employment situation for the town. Less than a year ago, the Pembroke Dock branch of Barclays Bank also closed, and closure is also possible for London Road’s B&Q store soon.
Cllr. Peter Kraus said: “I thought 2015 was bad but 2016 looks like a worse year, and I’m normally very positive. It’s more job losses, and there’s the inconvenience to the people that bank there.”
Liam Coleman, the Director of Retail and Commercial Bank at The Co-operative Bank, said: “These decisions are never easy but continuing to reduce our costs is necessary as we seek to restructure and modernise the Bank and, unfortunately, this includes closing branches where the number of transactions has declined significantly, meaning it is no longer sustainable.”
He continued: “There are eight roles impacted. We are seeking to keep job losses to a minimum and redeployment opportunities will be offered where possible.”
“Why close the banks when the people need to spend their money locally? What will be next? ” Cllr. Kraus questioned. “We must act now, before the town disappears altogether.”
Entertainment
Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis
PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN
A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.
The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.
The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.
The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.
The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.
Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.
“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.
“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”
The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.
Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.
Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.
November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.
The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.
Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.
Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.
“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”
Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.
Climate
Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis
PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN
A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.
The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.
The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.
The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.
The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.
Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.
“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.
“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”
The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.
Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.
Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.
November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.
The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.
Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.
Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.
“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”
Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.
Community
Police issue A477 crash appeal after five taken to hospital
FIVE people were taken to hospital, three with serious injuries, following a collision on the A477 between Llanteg and Red Roses on Sunday (May 24).
Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:00pm and involved a grey Honda Civic i-VTEC and a white Kia Soul 2.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested and remains in police custody.
Officers are appealing for anyone who was driving on the A477 at around the time of the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage of either vehicle before the crash, to come forward.
Police said visitors to Pembrokeshire who may not know the area should check their route in case they were travelling along the A477 at the relevant time.
Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Quote reference: 326 of May 24.
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