MS for Gower shares disappointment as Mumbles bank closure looms

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.”