nRebecca Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Gower, has shared her disappointment as the Mumbles branch of Lloyds Bank has been given a firm date for closure of 29th March 2021.
 
Rebecca Evans MS said: “We all know the pressure that the high street banking industry is under because of advances in technology and changes in customers' banking behaviour. However, it is often the most vulnerable who suffer the most, and the closure of one bank after the other across our communities is concerning.
 
“I have called on the UK Treasury to develop a much more strategic and innovative approach to community banking to stem the tide of banks leaving our high streets in Wales. Unfortunately these requests and the disappointment expressed by the local community have not been able to prevent this closure.”
 
Lloyds Bank Group say they have made this decision due to fewer people using the branch, adding that many customers are now using online banking services.
 
Mrs Evans added: "Mumbles has numerous independent retailers, and small businesses tell me that they need access to a local bank in order to manage their money.
 
"I am also very concerned about our older residents, for some of whom online banking just isn't a realistic option. Lots of older people prefer to use cash and manage their household budget on a week to week basis. Travelling considerable distances to use the bank is not as easy as it sounds for many people.
 
“Local branches of all banking groups must have these customers at the forefront of their minds when making these changes.” 

Rebecca Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Gower, has long been a supporter of Farmer’s Union Wales’ Farmhouse Breakfast Week, and once again supports this annual event and encourages the people of Gower to get involved.
 
Rebecca Evans MS said: “I am pleased that the FUW is continuing to hold the annual Farmhouse Breakfast Week, albeit with a difference in these difficult times. Usually we would be looking forward to our yearly Farmhouse Breakfast event in the Senedd, but this year we are encouraged to gather around the table in our homes and enjoy the wonderful produce available from our local farmers.”
 
The FUW is encouraging the public to get involved with breakfast week by purchasing locally sourced breakfast ingredients, and sharing photos and videos of themselves with their breakfast through social media, using the hashtag #breakfastweek2021.
 
Rebecca Evans MS added: “This is the perfect opportunity for us to continue to support our local producers in Gower. They are proud to produce the highest standard of foods, and I am very proud to support them.”
 
Farmhouse Breakfast Week will run from Monday 18th to Sunday 24th January.