BARCLAYS has been urged to reopen bank branches in west Wales after reports that the banking giant is preparing to rebuild its high street presence.

Paul Davies MS, Senedd Member for Ceredigion Penfro, has written to Vim Maru, Chief Executive of Barclays UK, calling on the bank to restore full branch services in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Mr Davies said Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth should be treated as priority locations, with Tenby and Cardigan also considered as part of any future review.

The call comes after reports that Barclays is looking again at its high street network, including opening new branches, expanding some existing sites and reviving the traditional role of local bank manager.

Mr Davies said west Wales should not be overlooked if Barclays is serious about returning to communities.

Barclays closed its Haverfordwest branch in May 2024, while branches in Aberystwyth and Cardigan also shut that year. The closures left many customers in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion without access to a full Barclays branch.

Mr Davies said the loss of face-to-face banking had hit residents, small businesses and community organisations across two largely rural counties.

He said: “It’s extremely disappointing that Barclays Bank currently has no branches in either Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion. This represents a significant reduction in service provision for both personal and business customers across the two counties.

“However, I welcome the bank’s recent announcement and have written to the Chief Executive to encourage Barclays to take this opportunity to restore banking services in our area by reopening branches in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

“Access to face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, businesses and community organisations, and I hope the bank will give serious consideration to reopening the high street branches in west Wales.”

The withdrawal of bank branches has become a growing concern in towns across Wales, particularly for older residents, people without reliable internet access, rural customers who depend on public transport, and businesses that need to deposit cash.

While some banking services are available through the Post Office, Barclays Local sites and banking hubs, campaigners have argued that these do not always provide the same service as a fully staffed branch.

Mr Davies said Barclays now had an opportunity to show that rural communities would not be left behind.

He is asking the bank to place Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth at the front of the queue if it proceeds with plans to expand its branch network.

The Herald has contacted Barclays for comment.

THE FAMILY of an 18-year-old man who died after entering the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition have paid tribute to a “loving” young man who will be “dearly missed”.

Umar Dumbuya, from London, died in Glasbury, Powys, on Tuesday, June 30.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued a photograph of Umar and a tribute from his family following the tragedy.

His family said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and grandson. There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family.

“Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

“Umar loved spending time playing basketball, attending the gym, and being with friends and family.

“We will always remember Umar for his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. His death has left a devastating hole in our family, and we now ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

A SENIOR safeguarding teacher has told a jury that Vicki Williams looked “horrific” after allegedly being stabbed in the head at Milford Haven Comprehensive School.

Catherine Wilcox, who has taught at the school for 20 years and is currently leader of the safeguarding team, gave evidence at Swansea Crown Court this afternoon as the trial of a 15-year-old defendant continued.

The boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, denies attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding. He has admitted possessing a bladed article.

Mrs Wilcox told the court she saw Mrs Williams after the incident and said the teacher was clutching towards the back of her head.

The jury heard Mrs Williams told her: “He got me in the head.”

Mrs Wilcox described Mrs Williams’ appearance in the aftermath, saying: “She looked horrific. Her skin was the colour of a dead body.”

She added: “God, she looked awful. Vicky always presents herself so well but she looked horrific.”

The court also heard evidence from Detective Constable Henry Foster, including CCTV footage from the school.

Jurors were shown footage which the officer said showed the defendant near the classroom before the incident. The court also viewed CCTV showing the teenager laughing and joking with friends earlier in the day.

The jury was also shown footage from an earlier incident in which a classroom door window was kicked while Mrs Williams was teaching.

The prosecution alleges the defendant carried out a planned attack on Mrs Williams after bringing a knife into school in his bag.

The defence denies that he intended to kill or cause serious injury.

The trial continues.