SAMUEL KURTZ MS has secured confirmation that cash access network LINK will carry out an in-person assessment in Pembroke Dock as part of the town’s bid for a Banking Hub.

The confirmation came during an online meeting with LINK on Monday (Feb 17), after the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Senedd Member wrote to the organisation’s Chief Executive requesting that the reassessment — which can only be triggered after a twelve-month period — should include a site visit.

Pembroke Dock has been without face-to-face banking services since the closure of its last branch, with campaigners warning that older residents, vulnerable people and small businesses have been left struggling to access cash and in-person support.

Mr Kurtz, who has been involved in the campaign for more than a year, said the visit would allow LINK representatives to see the situation first-hand.

“This is a significant step forward for Pembroke Dock. The in-person assessment means LINK will see the impact of losing the town’s last bank and hear directly from those affected,” he said.

“Not everyone can bank online or travel to Carmarthen when there’s a problem. This visit will ensure local voices are heard.”

More than 1,500 residents and businesses have signed a petition supporting the call for a Banking Hub, underlining what campaigners say is strong local demand for accessible cash services.

Mr Kurtz added: “This isn’t just about Pembroke Dock — the wider South Pembrokeshire area relies on these services. A face-to-face assessment will make sure LINK understands the reality on the ground and the number of people who would use this facility.”

The site visit is seen as a key milestone in efforts to restore banking provision to the town and surrounding communities.

Former General Election candidate steps down after just a few months in role as party faces upcoming electoral tests

THE CHAIRMAN of Reform UK’s Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire branch has resigned after only a few months in the role — just months before the crucial Senedd elections.

Stuart Marchant, who stood as the party’s candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire in the July 2024 General Election, confirmed he has stepped down from the position he has held since being elected chairman in October 2025.

Mr Marchant received almost 8,000 votes at the General Election, finishing third out of eight candidates. He later helped establish the Reform UK branch covering Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire in September 2024, initially serving as interim chairman before being formally elected.

In his resignation statement, he said he was no longer able to balance the demands of the role with his professional and personal commitments, adding that the position required someone able to devote full time and energy to it.

He said: “I have reached the conclusion that I am no longer able to balance the demands of the role — or the approach required to take the branch to the next stage — alongside my professional and personal commitments. The role deserves the full attention and energy of someone who can give it without compromise, and at this time I cannot do so.”

Mr Marchant said he remained proud of what had been achieved locally and thanked members for their support during his time in office. He added that he had confidence the branch would continue to grow under new leadership.

His resignation comes at a significant time for the party locally, with campaigning expected to intensify ahead of the Senedd elections later this year.

There is also an important local electoral test on the horizon, with a by-election due to take place in Hakin, Milford Haven, following the death of respected councillor Mike Stoddart. Reform UK is understood to be hoping to field a candidate, although no selection has yet been confirmed.

Reform UK has not yet announced who will replace Mr Marchant as chairman of the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire branch.

Councillors demand £2m savings removed amid safeguarding concerns in schools

THE INDEPENDENT GROUP on Pembrokeshire County Council has warned it will not support the Cabinet’s proposed council tax increases unless planned reductions to the education budget are reversed.

Cabinet has recommended a council tax rise of 4.6% for 2026/27, followed by 5% the following year and potential increases of up to 7.5% in future years. The Independent Group has criticised the proposals, describing them as a “ballot box” budget which they claim postpones difficult financial decisions for future administrations.

The group also said it had not been consulted during the budget process by Council Leader Jon Harvey, despite representing a significant number of councillors.

Safeguarding concerns raised

Councillor Huw Murphy said the group’s main concern relates to education funding, particularly following the recent placement of three Pembrokeshire schools into special measures.

He said: “The seriousness of the situation facing education in Pembrokeshire cannot be overstated. All councillors need to place school safeguarding above party politics.”

The Independent Group argues that reducing the education budget by more than £2 million would be inappropriate at a time when schools face financial pressures and scrutiny from inspectors.

The councillors have called for the proposed savings to be reinvested to help improve standards at Ysgol Harri Tudur, Milford Haven School and the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre in Neyland, as well as addressing wider infrastructure concerns including building maintenance issues at several schools across the county.

Budget pressures acknowledged

The group acknowledged efforts by the council’s finance leadership to achieve savings, noting projections that the authority could finish the financial year under budget.

However, Councillor Murphy questioned whether some efficiencies may have affected services, including education provision and safeguarding.

He also highlighted that councillors had previously reduced proposed education cuts during last year’s budget process following cross-party support.

Political tensions

The statement also criticised the position of councillors from other parties, questioning whether Labour and Plaid members would support reductions in education spending given the current challenges facing schools.

It further referenced previous proposals from Liberal Democrats councillors for higher council tax increases to protect school funding, suggesting the current position appeared inconsistent.

The Independent Group says it will only support the budget if education cuts are removed, placing what it describes as safeguarding, wellbeing and educational attainment as its priority.

The Herald has approached Pembrokeshire County Council for comment.