PEMBROKE Dock will soon host a new banking hub at its local library, following a successful campaign to tackle the area’s ‘banking desert’ status.

On Thursday, May 6, Pembroke Dock Town Council announced:

“We are delighted to announce the temporary home of the new Banking Hub… The new Banking Hub will be sited in Pembroke Dock Library and will be opening in early June. The exact opening date will be shared in due course.

“We hope the service is one which is used by many from all over the county.”

It follows an energetic year-long campaign, sparked by the closure of Lloyds’ Dimond Street premises, the town’s last remaining bank branch, which effectively made South Pembrokeshire a ’banking desert’.

A campaign, attracting more than 1,500 signatures, was spearheaded by Samuel Kurtz in his role as Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire and received cross-party backing, including support from local MP Henry Tufnell.

Persuading LINK to take a second look at their decision not to recommend a banking hub, Mr Kurtz said: “I have consistently made the case that Pembroke Dock cannot be considered in isolation. Pembroke and neighbouring communities must be factored into the assessment, particularly given the rural nature of the area and limited public transport connectivity.”

As a result of the campaign, LINK agreed to reopen its assessment. Following a visit in February, the regulator announced its decision to recommend a banking hub for Pembroke Dock.

The announcement was hailed by Mr Kurtz as “a landmark moment for our town and the wider South Pembrokeshire community,” while Mr Tufnell expressed his delight, emphasising the vital need for face-to-face services in the county. “This is something I have been pushing for, for over a year, working with LINK, government ministers, the regulator, Lloyds Bank, the Post Office, and my constituents.”