News

St. Davids to become the only city in UK without a bank

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2023

In a profound blow to the picturesque city of St Davids, Lloyds Bank has announced the imminent closure of its branch, marking the end of an era and leaving the community in a state of uncertainty. With this closure, St Davids, renowned for its historic 12th-century cathedral and revered as the resting place of Wales’s patron saint, David, faces a significant challenge, as it becomes the only city in Britain without a bank.

The closure, scheduled for November 27, 2023, not only affects the 1,600 residents of St Davids but also impacts the thousands of visitors who flock to the city, including recent high-profile guests like the Prince and Princess of Wales. Lloyds’ decision to shutter its doors also means the demise of the last free cashpoint machine in the city, compelling locals and tourists alike to embark on a 15-mile journey to Fishguard, the nearest town with a banking facility.

Local Member of Parliament, Stephen Crabb, has taken up the mantle to fight for the city’s financial lifeline. Crabb, deeply moved by the overwhelming response to his banking survey, has been engaging in intense discussions with Lloyds Bank and LINK, emphasising the vital role local banking services play in rural communities. In a bid to salvage some semblance of accessible banking, Crabb has petitioned Charlie Nunn, the CEO of Lloyds Bank, to deploy a mobile banking van in St Davids.

“I received so many replies to my banking survey from residents in St Davids, which demonstrates just how strongly people feel about this issue locally, and how important local banking services are for so many in the community,” stated Crabb. “This closure has raised significant concerns about the loss of important financial services in rural, isolated communities like St Davids, and represents the need for a fundamental shift in perspective for residents living there in terms of future accessibility and ability to meet their banking needs.”

Lloyds Banking Group defended its decision, citing the exponential growth of digital banking. Over 20 million of their customers regularly use online banking, with 17.3 million utilising mobile banking services. This surge in digital transactions has led to a 55% reduction in branch visits across all sites facing closure in the last five years.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.