Banking hub recommended for Mumbles as high street services continue to disappear

Mumbles has become the latest community in Swansea to be recommended a banking hub, after LINK — the UK’s cash access network — said the village qualifies for a dedicated shared branch. It follows an application from local councillor Will Thomas, who warned that years of bank closures have left residents struggling to access basic services.

If delivered, the hub would be the third in Swansea, joining Morriston’s already‑open site and Gorseinon’s hub, which is due to open later this year.

What the hub will offer

Banking hubs operate like a traditional branch but are shared by all major banks. Customers can withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and speak to staff from their own bank on rotating days.

The project will now be taken forward by Cash Access UK, which will begin speaking to local businesses and searching for a suitable site in the coming weeks. There are currently 214 hubs open across the UK, including 12 in Wales.

Dr Chris Ashton, Chief Commercial Officer at LINK, said the decision followed evidence of strong local need.

“We’re delighted to recommend a new banking hub in Mumbles. Special thanks go to Councillor Thomas for helping to ensure we had a full picture of the town’s cash access needs.”

“Part of the fabric of a thriving high street”

Cllr Will Thomas, said the hub would restore a vital service that many residents still rely on.

“I’m absolutely delighted my application was successful, so Mumbles will once again have a dedicated community banking facility. Many residents still rely on face‑to‑face services, whether that’s for depositing cash, managing accounts, or simply having the reassurance of speaking to someone in person.”

He said the loss of high street banks had hit the village hard.

“Banking isn’t just about transactions. It’s part of the fabric of a thriving high street. When people come into the village to use banking services, they visit our cafés, shops and local businesses. It supports footfall, strengthens our local economy, and helps keep Mumbles vibrant.”

“A real difference for residents and small businesses”

Tonia Antoniazzi, MP for Gower, also welcomed the recommendation.

“This will make a real difference for residents — particularly those who need extra support when banking — as well as the many small businesses central to the area that rely on cash for their day‑to‑day operations. It’s an important step in keeping our community connected and thriving.”

LINK says anyone can check their nearest free cash access point using its online Cash Locator tool.

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📢 New Banking Hub in Market Drayton! 🏦
Visitors and locals can now access essential face-to-face banking services at Market Drayton Town Hall (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).

From cash withdrawals and deposits to bill payments and online banking help, it’s a great boost for our town and local businesses.

👉 Read more:
https://makeitmarketdrayton.com/new-banking-hub-opens-in-market-drayton-a-boost-for-visitors-and-the-local-economy/

#MarketDrayton #BankingHub #SupportLocal

Banking lifeline finally opens in Ystradgynlais after three‑year fight

After years without a single bank on the high street, Ystradgynlais residents can at last walk through the doors of a permanent banking hub. The new facility on Commercial Street is the result of a dogged three‑year campaign that saw locals, businesses and community leaders refuse to take “no” for an answer.

The town was left high and dry in 2023 when Lloyds shut its branch despite posting record profits. Public meetings followed, petitions were signed, and applications were lodged with LINK — the body that decides where hubs go. The first bid was rejected, but campaigners pushed back, challenging the data and dragging regulators to Ystradgynlais to see the need for themselves.

That persistence paid off. A temporary hub opened in May, and now a permanent site has been unveiled at 14 Commercial Street, SA9 1HD.

How the hub will serve the town

After years of being left without a single counter service, locals can now walk into the new Commercial Street hub and deal with real people again. Doors are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with different banks taking turns to staff the desks.

• Mondays bring Barclays back to town, giving customers face‑to‑face access that vanished when branches closed.
• Tuesdays are still waiting for a banker to be confirmed, but campaigners say it’s only a matter of time before another name is added.
• Midweek sees Lloyds return on Wednesdays, a striking turnaround after the bank pulled out of Ystradgynlais in 2023.
• HSBC takes the Thursday slot, offering services to residents who once had to travel miles for help.
• Fridays finish with Halifax on hand, rounding off the week with another big name back on the high street.

Victory after years of pressure

The fight to bring banking back to Ystradgynlais wasn’t easy. Applications were rejected, data was disputed, and regulators had to be shown around the town to see the need first‑hand.

At the opening, local MP David Chadwick called it “fantastic news for Ystradgynlais” and reflected on the long road to success:

“After months of pressure, rejected applications and persistent campaigning, including personally showing the Banking Hub regulator around our vibrant town, I’m delighted we’ve secured a permanent, long‑term hub on Commercial Street.

“I launched this campaign to make sure communities like Ystradgynlais and the surrounding area aren’t cut off from essential services.

“Securing a permanent Banking Hub is a major step in ensuring our towns remain supported, connected and able to thrive.

“I will continue pushing to ensure that facilities like this remain protected and that no community in our area is left behind.”

Senedd Member Jane Dodds also welcomed the news, adding:

“Access to banking is not a luxury; it is a necessity, particularly for older residents, small businesses, and those who rely on cash. This hub will make a real and lasting difference.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Lloyds Bank to close Ammanford and Gorseinon branches in 2026
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New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon
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Temporary banking hub opens in Ystradgynlais
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More stories from Ystradgynlais →
Browse the latest news and features from the town.

#bank #BankingHub #DavidChadwickMP #JaneDoddsMS #WelshLiberalDemocrats #Ystradgynlais #YstradgynlaisBankingHub

Lloyds Bank to close Ammanford and Gorseinon branches in 2026

The company confirmed that 49 branches across the UK will shut between January and October 2026, including three in Wales. Locally, the Ammanford branch will close on 12 January 2026, while the Gorseinon branch will close on 12 October 2026. The third Welsh closure is in Chepstow on 7 October 2026.

National picture

The closures form part of a wider programme affecting Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland sites. In total, 26 Lloyds branches, 10 Halifax and 13 Bank of Scotland branches will shut, leaving the group with 705 branches nationwide.

The move follows similar announcements from other high street banks, with NatWest recently confirming it will axe 46 mobile branches in January 2026.

Impact and alternatives

Lloyds said all staff affected will be offered roles elsewhere in the business. Customers are being reminded they can continue to use other Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branches, as well as the Post Office and new community banking hubs. Cash deposits can also be made at more than 30,000 PayPoint locations.

Following the announcement, cash access network Link recommended the establishment of 11 new banking hubs across the UK to help communities losing their last bank.

Bank statement

A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group said:

“The way people are banking has changed, with over 21 million customers choosing our apps to manage their money. We’re providing more choice than ever before, bringing together the best in digital convenience with our people.”

Local context

The closure of the Gorseinon branch in October 2026 will leave Principality Building Society as the only remaining banking provider in the town. A new banking hub has already been confirmed for Gorseinon to help fill the gap left by recent closures.

Related stories on local banking changes

New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon after branch closure announcements
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Former Port Talbot bank could be turned into 13 affordable flats under new plans
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Plaid MS challenges LINK over Pontardawe banking hub snub
Sioned Williams MS has disputed LINK’s decision not to recommend a hub for Pontardawe, warning the Swansea Valley will be left without a single bank.

Temporary banking hub opens in Ystradgynlais
A new hub has opened at The Welfare on Brecon Road, restoring in‑person banking services to the town after a two‑year campaign.

Senedd Member speaks out on ‘deeply disappointing’ Lloyds response on Pontardawe bank closure
Sioned Williams MS criticised Lloyds’ handling of the closure, warning it will affect up to 25,000 people across the Swansea Valley.

#Ammanford #bank #bankClosure #BankingHub #Gorseinon #Link #LloydsBank #money

New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon after branch closure announcements

Shared banking space

The hub will be delivered by Cash Access UK before the closure of a local branch next year. It will provide counter services run by Post Office staff, allowing customers to withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and carry out everyday transactions.

Private consultation rooms will also be available, where customers can meet community bankers from their own bank on a rotating basis to discuss more complex matters.

Gorseinon will be the second banking hub in Swansea, joining the existing facility in Morriston.

Local banking picture

The announcement comes after a series of high‑street bank closures across South West Wales:

• Barclays shut its Gorseinon branch in February 2022, citing a steep fall in counter transactions. At the time, the bank revealed only 83 customers used the branch exclusively, while 83% were already banking online or by phone.
• HSBC closed its Alexandra Road branch in June 2021. Lloyds has announced it will close its Gorseinon branch in October 2025, leaving Principality Building Society as the only remaining provider in the town and prompting the creation of the new banking hub.
• In nearby Pontardawe, Lloyds Bank’s planned closure has been branded a “betrayal” by Senedd Member Sioned Williams, who warned it would leave the entire Swansea Valley without a single bank branch.
• TSB announced the closure of its Carmarthen branch in September 2024, part of a UK‑wide cut of 36 branches and 250 jobs, with just a handful of customers still using the branch regularly.
• NatWest’s decision to close its Neath branch has also been met with “deep disappointment” from local representatives, who warned of the impact on businesses and vulnerable residents.

The new Gorseinon hub is intended to ensure residents and businesses continue to have access to face‑to‑face banking services despite this wider trend of closures.

LINK statement

Chris Ashton, Chief Commercial Officer at LINK, said:

“While more people are switching to digital banking and payments, we know that many people still rely on and choose to use cash. That’s why we’re delighted to recommend Gorseinon as one of 11 new hubs today.”

Related stories on bank closures

Barclays confirms closure of bank branches in Gorseinon and Port Talbot
Barclays shut its Gorseinon branch in February 2022, saying only 83 customers used it exclusively, with most already banking online or by phone.

Senedd Member speaks out on ‘deeply disappointing’ Lloyds response on Pontardawe bank closure
Sioned Williams MS warned the closure would leave the entire Swansea Valley without a single bank branch, affecting up to 25,000 people.

TSB announces closure of Carmarthen branch
TSB confirmed its Blue Street branch would close in September 2024, with just five customers regularly using it for personal or business banking.

‘Deep disappointment’ over NatWest’s Neath branch closure
Senedd Member Sioned Williams said the decision was a “scandal” that would hit local businesses and vulnerable residents in Neath.

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that Lloyds was one of the only banks still open in Gorseinon. In fact, Lloyds has announced its branch will close in October 2025, which was a catalyst for the new banking hub. The branch remains open until then.

#bank #bankClosure #BankingHub #Barclays #CashAccessUK #Gorseinon #HSBC #Link #LloydsBank #money #Natwest #PostOffice #PrincipalityBuildingSociety #TSB

Temporary banking hub opens in Ystradgynlais 

The banking hub will be temporarily located in The Welfare on Brecon Road in Ystradgynlais until a permanent home can be found for the hub in the town.

Customers of all major banks can visit the hub any weekday between 9am-5pm to carry out regular cash transactions including cash withdrawals and deposits as well as checking balances or paying bills.

Additionally, the hub also offers a community banker service where customers can talk to their own bank in a private space about more complicated issue on the day their bank is in the hub. This is on a rota system, with Barclays on Mondays, Santander on Tuesdays, Lloyds on Wednesdays and HSBC on Thursdays.

It is understood that NatWest are considering taking the slot on Fridays, subject to negotiations.

Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK: “I’m happy to announce that we have opened the new banking hub in Ystradgynlais, giving local residents renewed access to cash and in-person banking services. The hub is available for everyday banking transactions every day of the week, and for more specific or complex enquiries, a community banker will be on-site to assist on designated days.” 

Ystradgynlais has been without a bank since September 2023 when Lloyds left the town, prompting a two-year campaign for a banking hub.

Although the regulator – LINK, rejected an initial request for a banking hub made by David Chadwick MP, they later changed their mind following an appeal launched by the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

David Chadwick contested several aspects of data that had been used by the regulator and collected evidence from businesses, charities and clubs across the town on what impact the lack of cash services was having on them.

Thanks to these testimonials, alongside signatures collected by the party, Chadwick was able to convince the regulators to approve the hub.

Today, at the opening of the temporary hub, David Chadwick and Jane Dodds MS presented a Ystradgynlais RFC Rugby jersey to the hub.

Commenting at the event, Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said: “Submitting the request for this banking hub was one of my first acts as your new MP and something I had campaigned for long before being elected.

“I’m delighted that the hard work we have put into this campaign has paid off and the town and wider area will be able to benefit from having banking services restored.

“I’d also like to particularly thank Ams from The Old Temp Fish Bar, who helped me gather evidence from other local businesses for the appeal case.

“I’d also like to say a massive thank you to everyone in the community who backed the campaign, this is a win for the whole town.”

Adding her comments Lib Dem Senedd Member Jane Dodds MS said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to deliver such a vital project for Ystradgynlais after two hard years of campaigning.

“I’d like to thank all the local residents, businesses and clubs who supported our campaign, signed our petitions and provided us with the evidence we needed to make the case for the regulators.

“It goes to show that when you really fight for something, you can achieve positive changes.”

#bank #BankingHub #Barclays #HSBC #LloydsBank #Natwest #Santander #WelshLiberalDemocrats #Ystradgynlais

Ocus Group Leases 4,572 Sq. Ft. to SBI Bank at Its Commercial Project, Ocus Medly

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https://tycoonworld.in/sbi-bank-expands-presence-at-ocus-medley-in-gurugram/

When the Hub opens, it will offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. It will also offer a Community Banker service where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the Hub. Community Bankers will work on rotation, with a different bank available on each day of the week.

Cash Access UK have said that finding the right location for a Banking Hub that is convenient, accessible and works for everyone often takes time, so the organisation says it is delighted to have been able to secure convenient premises in the heart of the community. This development is a significant step forward in bringing a Banking Hub to Morriston.

The Hub will open later this year, and the team at Cash Access UK say they are now working hard to fit out the new premises and will update the community on progress and an opening date as soon as they can. The Morriston Banking Hub page on the Cash Access UK website will provide updates as works progress.  

The Hub was recommended by LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, following the announcement of the closure of the town’s last remaining bank branch in August 2022.

There are currently five Banking Hubs open across Wales, located in Abergele, Prestatyn, Porthcawl, Treorchy and Welshpool. Alongside Morriston’s new Hub, Cash Access UK are also working on Hubs in Abertillery, Flint, Mountain Ash and Risca.

Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK: “It’s great news that we have secured a location for our Banking Hub in Morriston. It’s a big step forward we’ll keep the community updated as it progresses.”

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/08/22/morriston-banking-hub-location-confirmed/

#bank #BankingHub #Halifax #money #Morriston #Swansea