CALLS have been made for an urgent review of access to cash in Narberth after two town centre ATMs were closed.

Henry Tufnell MP and Cllr Marc Tierney say the popular market town has been left with just one cash machine, raising concerns for residents, visitors and local businesses.

Although cash can still be withdrawn from the Post Office, access is restricted to working hours and is unavailable for much of the weekend and on Bank Holidays.

Mr Tufnell said the closures came at a particularly difficult time, with Pembrokeshire entering the busy summer tourism period.

He said: “People in Narberth must be able to rely on access to cash. It is vital for the local economy. Residents, visitors and businesses all depend on cash for everyday transactions.

“The closure of two ATMs in the town centre has left Narberth with just a single machine. This is not good enough for my constituents, particularly as we enter the busiest period of the year for tourism.

“That is why I called for LINK, the body responsible for protecting access to cash across the UK, to carry out an access to cash assessment for Narberth as soon as possible.

“I am pleased that these calls have been listened to, and a review of cash access will be carried out in the coming weeks.

“Too often, our rural communities face poor access to vital banking services. I will continue to engage with constituents, local businesses, the council, LINK and colleagues in Parliament to ensure that everyone in Pembrokeshire can access the services they need.”

Cllr Tierney said he had been speaking to residents and businesses in recent weeks who were worried about the issue.

He said: “Narberth is a market town and an important hub for several smaller rural communities, so I am pleased that, following our calls for action, LINK will be reviewing the town’s access to cash.

“This will help to ensure that the needs of local residents and visitors are being met.

“I’m pleased to be working with Henry Tufnell MP on making the case for Narberth and Pembrokeshire communities, and will continue to keep residents updated.”

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to continue sharing their experiences of cash access in the town.

THREE lives were saved and seven people rescued by Swansea RNLI lifeguards during a busy Bank Holiday and half-term period which saw a major rescue at Three Cliffs Bay.

RNLI lifeguards were called into action on the afternoon of Monday (May 25), when a powerful rip current pulled several beachgoers into difficulty.

Lifeguard Morgan Burgess first spotted two young children being carried out by the rip. A young boy was struggling to stay above the water, while a girl was unable to make it back to shore.

Morgan entered the water with a rescue tube, clipped the boy in and towed both children back to safety.

Within moments, the situation became even more serious.

Lifeguard Rhys Sabine had already seen adults in difficulty further out. He paddled a rescue board into the rip and reached a man and woman, getting them onto the board before urgently signalling for backup.

Lifeguard Riley Jones entered the water with a rescue tube, while Morgan returned to the sea with a board.

As the team pushed further out, Rhys saw a man going under. He left his board with the casualties already on it and swam to the man, pulling him back to the surface.

At the same time, Riley reached a woman and young girl, supporting them with a rescue tube. Morgan arrived with the board and the team worked together to bring everyone safely back to shore.

One adult male needed further care on the beach and was given oxygen while an ambulance was called. After assessment, he was discharged into the care of a family member and emergency services were stood down.

Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, said: “The rescue was part of a demanding half-term period for lifeguard teams across the Swansea region, with sustained call-outs across multiple beaches throughout the week.

“The team’s swift and coordinated response meant that everyone who entered the water that afternoon made it home safely.”

The incident was one of several across the Swansea coastline during a hot and sunny half-term week, which brought large crowds to local beaches.

At Aberavon Beach, lifeguards assisted with a fracture and provided casualty care. They also dealt with several missing children, with support from the Coastguard, Port Talbot Lifeboat and Police.

On Tuesday (May 26), RNLI lifeguards at Langland Beach carried out five assists using a rescue board, mainly involving children who had got out of their depth. Lifeguards also dealt with two missing person incidents with assistance from the Coastguard and Police.

The RNLI is reminding people that, although air temperatures may feel warm at this time of year, the sea remains cold and cold water shock is still a serious risk.

Anyone who gets into difficulty in the water should Float To Live: tilt your head back, keep your ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, move your hands and feet to stay afloat, and call for help once you have regained control of your breathing.

Anyone who sees someone in difficulty in the water should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

STAFF from Hywel Dda University Health Board’s diabetes team are encouraging people across west Wales to get active during Diabetes Awareness Week.

Members of the team will take part in parkrun events in Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest and Llanelli on Saturday, June 13, as part of the campaign, which runs from June 8 to 14.

They are inviting people living with diabetes, those at risk, and their friends, families and carers to join them.

Parkrun is a free weekly 5km community event where people can walk, jog, run, volunteer or simply support others. Events are open to all ages and abilities.

Sarah Murray, Type 2 Diabetes Clinical Lead at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Parkrun is a fantastic opportunity for people to get moving in a supportive, welcoming environment.

“You don’t have to run; walking, volunteering or cheering others on are all part of what makes parkrun so special.

“We hope to see many familiar faces there, whether you are living with diabetes, at risk, or simply want to support your health and wellbeing.”

Diabetes is a serious condition where blood glucose levels become too high. This can happen when the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin it produces does not work properly.

Physical activity can play an important role in managing diabetes and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Being physically active, such as taking part in regular walking or running, can play an important role in managing diabetes and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

“Parkrun events are a great example of a community-based initiative that supports both physical and mental wellbeing.”

Common symptoms of diabetes include needing to urinate more often, especially at night, feeling very thirsty, tiredness, unexplained weight loss, genital itching or thrush, slow-healing cuts or wounds, and blurred vision.

Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to contact their GP and ask for a blood test.

There are 11 parkrun events across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire every Saturday, as well as 2km junior parkruns for children aged four to fourteen and their families every Sunday morning.

Participants should register in advance at parkrun.org.uk and bring their personal barcode on the day. Events usually begin at 9:00am, but people are advised to check their local parkrun webpage before attending.