Frustration as Lloyds’ Tumble bank branch set to close

Plaid Cymru politicians have expressed their frustration following an announcement by Lloyds Banking Group that they will be closing their Tumble branch in Carmarthenshire on the 3rd of August 2023.

Tumble is amongst 39 locations across the UK which will see its Lloyds bank close over the coming months – citing that customer demand for traditional counter services was falling as more people used online and mobile banking.

The bank has confirmed that following the closure, they will arrange for a Community Banker to visit the area regularly to provide face-to-face support and guidance to their customers.

The proposed closure has however been greeted with frustration from local Plaid Cymru politicians.

Llinos Mai Davies, Plaid Cymru County Councillor for Llannon ward said:

“There’s no denying that the way people are banking is changing – however, bank branches on our high streets remain vital services for so many residents and local businesses.

This is the last bank branch in the Gwendraeth Valley, and I am particularly concerned about the impact this closure is going to have on the elderly and vulnerable. I have written to Lloyds asking them to reconsider this decision.”

The closure of the Lloyd’s bank branch in Tumble also follows the announcement last week that Barclays will be closing their bank branch in Llandeilo later this year – leaving the Carmarthenshire town without a single bank.

Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales added:

“Closure of the Lloyds bank at Tumble is a further blow for Carmarthenshire residents and businesses. Communities across the county have already endured a disproportionately high number of bank closures – from Llandeilo last week, to previous closures in Ammanford and Cross Hands to name only a few.

It’s increasingly clear the traditional banking system is failing our high streets and communities – with more and more customers being left high and dry. The Welsh Government have previously promised a Community Bank for Wales to step in where the multinational banks are failing our towns and villages. I will be pressing for urgent clarity of this development.”