Local Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick is celebrating a big win following the success of the Liberal Democrats' long-running campaign for a banking hub in Ystradgynlais.

LINK, the organisation that decides on banking hub provisions, has informed David Chadwick that his campaign for banking has been a success. In three months, a temporary banking hub will be set up within the town before a permanent home for the hub is found.

David Chadwick’s initial request for a banking hub in the town was turned down, but working with local businesses, clubs and voluntary organisations to make a case, David Chadwick has managed to successfully appeal the original decision.

Ystradgynlais has been without a high street bank since September 2023 when Lloyds left the town, despite being the second largest town in Powys and the largest town in the Swansea Valley.

While the Liberal Democrats are celebrating a major win in Ystradgynlais, they have stated they are still focused on securing banking provisions for Pontardawe which learnt its last bank would be shutting in November and towns like Knighton and Presteigne which will also be left without a bank even in reasonable driving distance when their Lloyds branch shuts.

Commenting David Chadwick MP said: “I ran to be the Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe because I wanted to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to secure this major victory within my first few months as an MP.

“I’d like to thank everyone in the local community who submitted evidence for my appeal and got behind our campaign, Ystradgynlais is a fantastic community that really deserves this win.

“I will be closely monitoring and engaging with plans by Cash Access UK on where the banking hub’s permanent location will be over the coming months and residents are welcome to contact me with ideas.

“I will also continue to campaign for better banking facilities right across the constituency, not least in Pontardawe and places like Knighton and Presteigne which have been left in banking deserts.”