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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Painted utility boxes bring colour and conversation to Mumbles

Ten new designs across the ward

The initiative, commissioned by Team Mumbles councillors Francesca O’Brien and Will Thomas and delivered by Swansea‑based artists Fresh Creative Co., follows on from a first batch of murals in Newton that proved hugely popular with residents.

Cllr Francesca O’Brien said the project had been shaped by community feedback:

“Since we were elected to Mumbles Ward in 2022, it’s something we wanted to continue. Given the positive feedback we received on the first batch, we knew using our budget towards another ten boxes and designs would be welcomed. We’ve tried to cover the whole ward, and residents have loved seeing them ‘pop up’ and being designed by the artist. Will and I have enjoyed coming up with ideas, including Cinders nightclub, local sports clubs, wildlife and more.”

Cllr Will Thomas added:

“In our latest batch of public artworks we’ve added some boxes with a nod to the village’s history that will hopefully spark fond memories and conversation for both locals and visitors.”

Local landmarks and memories

The new designs include references to much‑loved community touchstones such as Cinders nightclub, local wildlife, and sports clubs. One of the first to be unveiled is on Higher Lane in Langland, with more set to appear in the coming weeks.

On social media, Cllr O’Brien teased:

“👀 Next batch of boxes are primed and ready to be painted. Incoming 10 new ones… Watch this space. One has already appeared on Higher Lane 🙌”

Part of a city‑wide movement

The Mumbles project is part of a wider wave of street art on utility boxes across Swansea and beyond, with Fresh Creative Co. also delivering designs in Sketty, Mayals, Sandfields, Clydach, Dunvant, Killay and Pontardawe.

Themes range from daffodils and acorns to Swansea City FC legends, local industry, and tributes to miners and community history. In Pontardawe, recent boxes have celebrated the town’s folk festival, twinning links with Locminé, and even the old bridge guarded by a Welsh dragon2.

Fresh Creative Co. says the aim is to “uplift and engage” communities, reduce vandalism, and bring colour to everyday spaces.

A painted utility box in Clydach pays tribute to the area’s industrial heritage with a striking image of an iron worker.Swansea City legends Terry Medwin and Cliff Jones are honoured in this Sandfields mural, recalling the Vetch Field days.Twin murals in Mayals feature bright daffodils and the village name in bold script, bringing colour to the streetscape.The iconic Oriental Bridge at Clyne Gardens is celebrated in this colourful mural on a utility box in Clyne.An artist from Fresh Creative Co. at work painting a new mural on a utility box as part of Swansea’s street art project.

Community pride

The murals have already become talking points, with residents stopping to take photos and share memories. Councillors say they hope the initiative will continue to grow, adding character to streets while celebrating Mumbles’ unique identity.

#Art #CindersNightclub #CllrWillThomas #FrancescaOBrien #FreshCreativeCo #HigherLane #Langland #Mumbles #mural #Newton #streetArt

Underhill Park sports hub and café to reopen after liquidation fallout

Local residents and sports clubs will regain access to Underhill Park’s community facilities next month, after Swansea Council and Mumbles Community Council stepped in to manage the site. The move follows the collapse of the Underhill Management Company, which entered voluntary liquidation in July amid financial pressures linked to high business rates.

The reopening includes the sports hub and public café, housed in a modern building with meeting rooms and changing facilities. The hub will be operated on an interim basis by Mumbles Community Council, while discussions continue over a long-term management plan.

The all-weather pitch and changing rooms reopened earlier this month, with pay-and-play sessions resuming on August 18. Bookings for the pitch can be made by emailing [email protected].

Timeline: Underhill Park hub closure and reopening

July 2025
Underhill Management Company enters voluntary liquidation after citing unsustainable business rates and financial pressures.

Late July 2025
Swansea Council and Mumbles Community Council confirm temporary partnership to keep facilities available for the community.

11 August 2025
All-weather pitch and changing rooms reopen for club use.

18 August 2025
Pay-and-play sessions resume for the public.

1 September 2025
Sports hub and café scheduled to reopen under interim community council management.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the reopening was “great news for local residents,” and praised the community council’s role in restoring access.

Cllr Will Thomas, Chair of Mumbles Community Council, added: “A lot of work has taken place behind the scenes and I’m sure it is appreciated by the community.”

Both councils confirmed they had engaged with liquidators shortly after the closure, enabling a swift transition to temporary oversight and continuity of services. The site had previously been home to clubs including Mumbles RFC, Mumbles Rangers, and Newton Athletic, and its £2.1m redevelopment was backed by the Welsh Government, National Lottery, and local authorities.

Further updates on the site’s future operating model are expected in the coming months.

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Underhill Park set to reopen after Council rescue

The all-weather pitch and changing rooms will reopen on Monday 11 August, with bookings now open via [email protected]. Pay-and-play sessions will resume from 18 August, with times to be announced shortly.

Work is also underway to reopen the Underhill Hub and café, with updates expected via council websites and social media.

Closure Triggered by Liquidation

The reopening follows a swift intervention after the site’s operator, Underhill Management Company, went into voluntary liquidation last month. The company was hit by unexpectedly high business rates — over £93,000 across two years — despite relief schemes.

In response, both councils stepped in to secure the site and form a temporary partnership to manage the facilities through the end of 2025.

Leaders React

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“It’s great news for local residents that progress has been made so quickly. We’ve pulled out all the stops to support the community through a difficult time.”

“This gives us breathing space to develop a permanent operating model.”

Cllr Will Thomas, Chair of Mumbles Community Council, added:

“Our teams worked flat out behind the scenes to get the site reopened. I’m sure the community will appreciate it.”

What’s Next

Underhill Park is home to Mumbles RFC, Mumbles Rangers, Newton Athletic, and Mumbles Cricket Club, which recently began using the artificial wicket.

The site’s £2.1m redevelopment was backed by the Welsh Government, Swansea Council, National Lottery, and Mumbles Community Council — and its reopening ensures local sport can continue without disruption.

Updates on the potential reopening of the café and hub are expected to follow, as both councils continue working behind the scenes to restore full access to the site.

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Underhill Park sports pitches to reopen after council intervention

Just weeks after the sudden closure of the Underhill Hub, Swansea Council and Mumbles Community Council have announced a joint plan to reopen the sports pitches and changing rooms at Underhill Park.

The move follows the voluntary liquidation of the site’s former operators, which left local clubs and community groups uncertain about access to the much-used facilities.

Under a temporary joint venture, the two councils will manage the pitches and changing rooms from early August until the end of 2025, giving teams a chance to continue training and playing while a longer-term solution is explored.

“We’re delighted to have found a way to reopen the pitches and changing rooms for the local community,” said Council Leader Rob Stewart. “It’s been a worrying time for teams and families, and we’ve acted quickly to ensure the facilities are available again from August.”

The announcement comes after more than a decade of investment and community fundraising to transform Underhill Park into a modern sporting hub. The site now includes an all-weather pitch, refurbished pavilion, and upgraded changing facilities, thanks to support from Swansea Council, Mumbles Community Council, Sport Wales and the National Lottery.

“We’re grateful to Swansea Council for stepping in,” said Will Thomas, Chair of Mumbles Community Council. “This joint solution means local teams and groups can continue using the facilities while we work toward a permanent operating model.”

The reopening is expected to be welcomed by clubs including Mumbles Rangers FC, Mumbles RFC, and Newton AFC, who have seen rising participation and youth engagement since the upgraded facilities came online.

Further updates on long-term management and community access are expected later this year.

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