After a year-long community campaign, good news has been revealed with LINK recommending that a new ‘banking hub’ be introduced for the South Pembrokeshire area.
Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz is celebrating a major community victory as LINK has recommended the establishment of a banking hub in Pembroke Dock, following a sustained 12-month community campaign highlighting the urgent need for a South Pembrokeshire banking hub for in-person banking services.
Pembroke Dock and all of South Pembrokeshire has been without any in-person banking since the closure of its last bank, a situation that has especially affected older residents, vulnerable people, and small businesses who rely on face-to-face support and access to cash.
Over the past year, Kurtz has been leading efforts to build the case for a Banking Hub, including writing to the Financial Conduct Authority and HM Treasury, engaging with the Welsh Government and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, raising it on the floor of the Senedd, and gathering evidence from the local community.
A petition led by Kurtz saw over 1,500 signatures from residents and businesses, demonstrating the strength of feeling locally and the widespread support for improved financial access in South Pembrokeshire.
Kurtz also formally requested that LINK hold a face-to-face meeting in Pembroke Dock which was held last month, so the review process could fully understand the impact of the town’s loss of banking services and the needs of the wider South Pembrokeshire community.
Mr Kurtz said:“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome LINK’s decision to recommend a banking hub in Pembroke Dock, a landmark moment for our town and the wider South Pembrokeshire community.”
“Having led the community campaign for this project, it has been an honour to have the trust of local residents to fight for something so essential. Today’s recommendation proves that when a community comes together, we can achieve real change.
“This hub will provide residents and businesses with the vital banking services they need, right here in our town, reducing the need to travel long distances and strengthening the local economy. It’s a win for fairness, accessibility, and for every resident who has campaigned tirelessly alongside me.
“I look forward to working with LINK, local stakeholders, and residents to turn this recommendation into reality and ensure Pembroke Dock and residents in South Pembrokeshire gets the service it deserves,” he added.
©Video: Welsh Conservatives
