Plaid Cymru Steps Up for Ammanford: Fighting for Banking Hub After Lloyds Exit

Plaid Cymru representatives are leading efforts to secure a permanent Banking Hub in Ammanford, following Lloyds Bank’s decision to close its branch on Quay Street on 12 January 2026. The closure will leave Ammanford without a full-service bank – a major blow not only to the town itself, but to the wider Amman Valley.

The implications are far-reaching. Ammanford acts as a financial centre for surrounding communities, and the loss of its last bank will leave thousands of residents and businesses without reliable access to essential services. The nearest Lloyds branches – in Carmarthen and Llanelli – are simply not viable alternatives. For some residents, such as those in Upper Brynamman, reaching the Llanelli branch would require a two-hour bus journey one way. That’s not just inconvenient – it’s unworkable.

Local businesses will also feel the impact. Many rely on in-person banking for cash deposits, change, and financial support. The closure risks undermining the high street and weakening the town’s role as a service hub for the valley.

Cefin Campbell, Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales branded the decision “disgraceful” stating: 

“While Lloyds shareholders are laughing all the way to their own banks, the people of Ammanford have been dealt another blow. This decision proves that those in their swish offices in central London have no idea how vital the services provided by dedicated staff at bank branches across Wales, and in particular, post- industrial communities such as Ammanford are to the local community. I am urging Lloyds to re-think is disgraceful decision.” 

Ann Davies, Member of Parliament for Caerfyrddin, is leading the campaign alongside Plaid Cymru Senedd representatives, having already held urgent talks with Lloyds. Together, they are spearheading calls for a permanent Banking Hub in Ammanford. As they launch the initiative, Ann Davies MP said:

“I am incredibly disappointed by Lloyds’ decision to close its Ammanford branch in January. This isn’t just about losing a bank – it’s about removing a vital service that local people and businesses depend on every day. For many across the Amman Valley, travelling to Carmarthen or Llanelli is simply not realistic. That’s why we are fighting for a permanent Banking Hub in Ammanford to keep essential financial services in the heart of our community.

This is more than a branch closure – it’s a withdrawal of access to essential services. A fortnightly visit from a community banker won’t cut it. We need a permanent Banking Hub in Ammanford to ensure no one is left behind.”

Carmarthen East & Dinefwr MS, Adam Price, whose office is located in Ammanford added;

“Alongside my Plaid Cymru colleagues, I am incredibly disappointed in the decision to close Lloyds bank in January. Ammanford serves as an economic and community hub for almost 20,000 people, with Lloyds playing a key role in this. Losing such an important institution will be a blow to not just visitors to the town but to local businesses too.

 ”We will be making an appeal to LINK, to ensure that access to cash services is still widely available in the town. We would also like to reassure residents that we are working tirelessly to encourage all banks to increase their services to town centres like Ammanford”

Plaid Cymru’s campaign is gathering momentum, with meetings underway and community support building. The message is clear: Ammanford needs a Banking Hub, and Plaid Cymru is fighting to make it happen.