As Pembrokeshire prepares for the closure of yet another local bank - this time the HSBC in Tenby - the number of people left without face-to-face banking facilities continues to rise.
The latest closure will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6, which means that 57% of people living in Wales will now be left without a branch. Recent figures from Which? suggest that by the end of 2025, Wales will have lost two-thirds of the branches that were open for business in 2015.
The closures are affecting the more vulnerable members of society such as the elderly, and people without internet access and who value the importance of being able to speak to a bank staff member face to face.
One bank network which continues to buck the trend is Nationwide which retains the biggest branch network of any UK banking brand. The Milford Haven branch is the only high street financial services provider that remains in the town centre following the recent closures of Lloyds and Barclays.
Milford Haven’s branch manager, Brad McLean, said: “Our branch is used by a wide range of people for different reasons, because banking isn’t one size fits all.
“The banks have left Milford Haven, leaving us as the last branch standing to support the community. Local people tell us they need face-to-face service, especially for those big transactions and life moments, but also for advice on staying safe from scams or just for everyday banking.”
Nationwide has committed that all its branches will remain open until at least the start of 2028, by which time the Milford Haven building society will have remained open and on the same location in Charles Street for 48 years
The Tenby HSBC, situated in Tudor Square, was originally scheduled for closure in April 2023, however this was deferred to enable additional cash deposit services to be made available.
The Enhanced Post Office at South Parade now has a dedicated counter for banking services as well as cash withdrawals and bill payment facilities.
Yet another Pembrokeshire bank to close its doors
As Pembrokeshire prepares for the closure of yet another local bank - this time the HSBC in Tenby - the number of people left without face-to-face banking facilities continues to rise.
The latest closure will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6, which means that 57% of people living in Wales will now be left without a branch. Recent figures from Which? suggest that by the end of 2025, Wales will have lost two-thirds of the branches that were open for business in 2015.
The closures are affecting the more vulnerable members of society such as the elderly, and people without internet access and who value the importance of being able to speak to a bank staff member face to face.
One bank network which continues to buck the trend is Nationwide which retains the biggest branch network of any UK banking brand. The Milford Haven branch is the only high street financial services provider that remains in the town centre following the recent closures of Lloyds and Barclays.
Milford Haven’s branch manager, Brad McLean, said: “Our branch is used by a wide range of people for different reasons, because banking isn’t one size fits all.
“The banks have left Milford Haven, leaving us as the last branch standing to support the community. Local people tell us they need face-to-face service, especially for those big transactions and life moments, but also for advice on staying safe from scams or just for everyday banking.”
Nationwide has committed that all its branches will remain open until at least the start of 2028, by which time the Milford Haven building society will have remained open and on the same location in Charles Street for 48 years
The Tenby HSBC, situated in Tudor Square, was originally scheduled for closure in April 2023, however this was deferred to enable additional cash deposit services to be made available.
The Enhanced Post Office at South Parade now has a dedicated counter for banking services as well as cash withdrawals and bill payment facilities.