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.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.