Sioned Williams is ramping up her efforts to challenge Lloyds Bank's decision to close its Pontardawe branch, the last remaining bank in the Swansea Valley.

The MS for South Wales West held a public meeting earlier this month to hear from residents and business owners who voiced their concerns about the impact of the closure on the community.

The decision to shut the Pontardawe branch, scheduled for November 19, has been met with frustration, particularly among local businesses and vulnerable residents.

Ms Williams, Plaid Cymru MS and Pontardawe resident, called the closure news "devastating" for the area, highlighting that many businesses rely on cash transactions and that elderly residents are often unable to manage online banking.

“Public feeling is clear and overwhelming,” said Ms Williams.

“The devastating decision to close the last branch in the Swansea Valley will impact residents and local businesses alike.

“So many businesses in Pontardawe are cash-based, some of our most vulnerable citizens are only comfortable with cash, and many other residents simply prefer it as it helps with budgeting. Taking away both a face-to-face counter service and a 24/7 cash point in the centre of the town will shatter our local community.”

Following the closure of the Pontardawe branch, the nearest Lloyds branch will be in Neath, some seven miles away.

During this month’s community meeting, one local business that employs 45 people expressed frustration over limitations on cash deposits and withdrawals at the Post Office, while another highlighted the additional fees they incur from being cashless.

More than one business expressed concern that Wednesdays are already noticeably quieter in the town – a day that the branch is currently closed – and the concern is that a complete closure could see footfall driven down on other days too.

The upcoming Pontardawe closure follows a series of other Lloyds branch shutdowns in the region, including Ystradgynlais and Llandrindod Wells in 2023, Brecon’s this week, and the upcoming closure of Presteigne in March. Further east, Leominster and Ludlow branches are also set to close this year.

Lloyds has justified the closures by citing the growing trend of online and mobile banking, which has led to a reduction in foot traffic at branches. However, Ms Williams and other local representatives argue that the move will disproportionately affect communities who rely on in-person banking services.

Lloyds has promised to introduce community bankers to the affected areas, but many remain unconvinced that this will be enough to replace the lost services.

Ms Williams said: “It’s also not as simple as visiting a branch in another town, because that would mean either travelling to another valley, or into Swansea, neither of which are particularly easy due to the poor state of local public transport connections.

“I will also be continuing to press for a banking hub should Lloyds not change their decision and for Welsh Government to progress their manifesto commitment to help develop community banks in Wales.”

Ms Williams says that Lloyds Bank was invited to the public meeting, but declined to attend. She has now arranged a meeting with a representative to feed back the views of locals.

Ms Williams has also been in contact with Age Cymru, Mencap, and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales to emphasise the negative impact the closure will have on vulnerable groups who rely on face-to-face services.