Business

MP Crabb welcomes changes to ensure free access to cash at ATMs in Pembrokeshire

Published

3 years ago

May 29, 2023

STEPHEN CRABB, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to ensure a legal right of free cash for millions of people. The move will mean that all including the most vulnerable in society can continue to withdraw and deposit cash for free.

The amendment to the Financial Services and Markets Bill, which is making its way through Parliament, means that the financial services regulator will have the legal power to preserve access to cash – free to consumers at the point of withdrawal or deposit – for those who need it.

The Government Minister responsible for the Bill, Andrew Griffith MP, said that whilst speed, and convenience of digital payments opens a world of opportunity for people and businesses, the reality is that so many still depend upon access to cash, particularly the elderly or those who use cash to manage their finances. This is especially true in rural parts of the country, in places like Pembrokeshire.

Following the decision, MP Crabb commented: “Pembrokeshire operates under a strong cash economy, with many people relying on free withdrawals and deposits of cash on the high street. The ability to make deposits is particularly important to support small businesses own ability to take cash.”

“Back in 2020, I wrote to the Chancellor on the need to secure access to cash, and I am pleased to see that concrete action has now been taken. I know that this change will be important for the elderly and most vulnerable in Pembrokeshire who frequently use cash as their choice of payment.”

Mr Crabb’s comments to this newspaper come the UK government has agreed to legally mandate banks to provide customers with easily accessible free cash services on high streets. This decision comes amidst a surge in bank branch closures over the past year and a continual decline in the number of free-to-use cash machines.

The reduction in access to cash or banking facilities poses challenges for individuals who rely on physical currency, particularly the elderly, affecting their ability to conduct everyday tasks such as banking and shopping.

Baroness Ros Altmann, who was instrumental in driving this legislative change and received support from Life Peers across the political spectrum, lauded the development, saying, “It is great news and about time there was recognition of the role played by cash in many people’s lives.”

According to government data, over two million individuals aged 70 and above do not have internet access, preventing them from conducting online banking and rendering them reliant on physical bank services.

Over the past 15 months, major banks have closed nearly 900 branches, leaving around 5,000 remaining. Although the number of free-to-use ATMs only declined by four percent last year, over the past five years, more than 15,000 cash machines have vanished from high streets.

Consumer group Which? emphasised that without the amendment proposed by Baroness Altmann, the objective of safeguarding access to cash through the new legislation would have been undermined, as numerous free-to-use ATMs were being closed or replaced with fee-charging machines.

Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, emphasised the importance of free cash access for those on lower incomes, as some fee-charging ATMs impose fees of up to £2. She stated, “We have campaigned to ensure that laws protect free access to cash and are delighted the Government agrees that people should not have to pay fees to access their own money.”

John Howells, Chief Executive of cash machine network Link, welcomed the strengthened legislation, describing it as a significant step forward. Link has already intervened to protect 3,400 free-to-use cash machines from closure and, through a partnership with banks, recommended the establishment of over 100 banking hubs in communities where all branches have been shuttered. Cash Access UK, funded by the banks, is responsible for opening these hubs, and a few have already been established, including one in Troon, South Ayrshire.

Howells emphasised the need to protect access to cash, as approximately five million people still rely on physical currency despite its declining usage.

Tulip Siddiq, the Shadow City Minister, urged the government to go further and adopt Labour’s policy of safeguarding face-to-face banking services to ensure that no individual is left without essential services.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

1 day ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

Published

2 days ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

Business

Pembrokeshire hospitality rates relief scheme backed

Published

2 days ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A WELSH Government-funded scheme to provide rates relief for hospitality businesses has been backed by senior Pembrokeshire councillors.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet at their March meeting said: “Welsh Government has introduced the Food and Drink Hospitality Rates Relief, this relief is aimed at eligible businesses in Wales in the food and drink hospitality sector for example, pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars and live music venues.

“The aim of the relief is to support eligible businesses to manage continued cost pressures. The relief will apply to all eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 15 per cent on non-domestic rate bills for the period April 1 to March 31, 2027. The relief is capped at £110,000 per business across Wales.

“As this is a temporary measure, Welsh Government is providing the relief by reimbursing local authorities that use their discretionary relief powers under Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.”

It concluded: “The food and drink hospitality rates relief 2026-27 requires the local authority to adopt a discretionary scheme [as outlined] and in accordance with the criteria and conditions specified in the guidance issued by Welsh Government.

“It is proposed that Cabinet resolve to adopt [the scheme] which can be applied to administer the relief. Welsh Government will reimburse local authorities for the relief provided in line with their guidance via a grant under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.”

Members backed the recommendation.

All eligible businesses must apply for this relief by the March 31, 2027, and an application form will be available on the council’s website from the April 1.

The maximum cash value of the rates relief allowed, across all properties in Wales occupied by the same business should not exceed £110,000. Businesses claiming the relief must declare that the amount being claimed does not exceed those limits.