County Councillor for Pembroke Dock Joshua Beynon has expressed deep disappointment at the announced closure of the town’s Lloyds branch and urges the bank to reconsider.

“I’m deeply disappointed to learn that Lloyds Bank will be closing its Pembroke Dock branch on 26 June 2025,” he said. “This decision will have a significant impact on local residents, businesses, and those who rely on in-person banking services.

“While Lloyds is introducing a Community Banker, this simply does not replace the full services of a branch. Many vulnerable customers, elderly residents, and those without access to digital banking will be left struggling.

“Local banking services are vital for our community, and I urge Lloyds to reconsider or at the very least strengthen their support for those affected.”

The branch at 35 Dimond Street is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm and is the only remaining bank in Pembroke Dock following the closure of Barclays in 2019. The substantial former Barclays building has recently undergone an impressive transformation into a beauty salon.

The branch is among six Lloyds and Halifax branches to close in Wales and 136 across the UK as the banking group cuts costs and shifts its focus to online banking, in line with customer trends.

It could be argued that Lloyds have been forcing customers’ hands, however, with staff being encouraged to persuade them to use machines and internet-based methods rather than dealing face-to-face with branch employees.

The Digital Poverty Alliance states that approximately 11 million people in Britain struggle accessing and using online services. A survey by Age UK estimates 40% of the over 75s don’t use the internet at all. Those most impacted by local branch closures are often the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, people with disabilities and those on lower incomes.