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 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.

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