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.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon after branch closure announcements
Gorseinon becomes the next Swansea community to secure a shared banking hub.

Plaid MS challenges LINK over Pontardawe banking hub snub
Concerns raised after Pontardawe was overlooked despite losing high street banks.

Morriston banking hub location confirmed
Morriston’s hub becomes one of the first in Wales to open its doors.

Porthcawl banking hub location confirmed
Another coastal town secures a shared branch as bank closures continue.

Gower MP breaks silence on WRU shake‑up after weeks of pressure from Ospreys fans

Antoniazzi — a former professional rugby player and Scarlets board member — had faced speculation that her silence was linked to her long‑standing ties to the Llanelli‑based region, at a time when fans fear one of Wales’ professional teams could be cut.

She has now issued a detailed statement, saying she deliberately chose to work privately rather than speak out earlier, and warning that the WRU’s handling of the crisis has “alienated supporters”. She also addressed the financial pressures facing the game and the uncertainty hanging over Ospreys players, staff and fans.

Antoniazzi said it was appropriate for Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart and Swansea West MP Torsten Bell to lead the public‑facing campaign, given their constituencies cover St Helen’s and the Swansea.com Stadium.

Tonia Antoniazzi: Rugby background

Tonia Antoniazzi grew up in Llanelli and went on to play rugby at university, in Italy and across Welsh clubs before earning Wales caps and appearing at the 1998 World Cup. She continued playing at club level into her late thirties and later represented the Commons and Lords team after entering Parliament.

Her experiences in the women’s game have shaped her political work. She has been vocal about the need for stronger structures, investment and opportunities for girls and women in Welsh rugby, arguing that progress stalled for too long. Antoniazzi has taken part in reviews of the women’s game and continues to call for long‑term change, better pathways and a culture that avoids repeating past failings.

Her full statement reads:

I have personally made a deliberate decision not to speak out publicly on Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) radical cost-cutting proposals because my priority has been to make a meaningful contribution behind the scenes, where I believe I can make the biggest difference.

For this reason, on January 21, I supported the Welsh Affairs Select Committee on its hearing on the issue. The Committee engaged directly with fans’ representatives, as well as the Chief Executive and Chair of the WRU and I took that opportunity to be at the hearing and speak to them all.

It’s an understatement to say the proposals to cut a professional team have alienated supporters. The hearing made clear that there’s a growing divide between the WRU and the fans, and this really saddens me.

Only through working through this together can a sustainable long-term solution be found – the alternative is that we let it tear the Welsh rugby community apart.

It’s clear the WRU is facing serious financial pressures, with multi-million-pound debts and not enough money in the system. Ultimately, the WRU and Y11 will be forced to make a commercial decision about the future.

What Ospreys’ fans, players, staff are facing is intolerable. I urge the WRU to dramatically improve its communication. We still do not know what the final decision will be, and this prolonged uncertainty is unacceptable.

It is only right that the Leader of Swansea Council, Rob Stewart, and Torsten Bell the MP for Swansea West, whose constituency includes both St Helens and the Swansea.com Stadium, lead the public-facing campaign.

Tonia Antoniazzi
Member of Parliament for Gower

Her intervention comes as the WRU continues to face intense scrutiny over its finances, its communication with supporters, and the future of Wales’ professional rugby structure.

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Swansea councillor warns Welsh pubs risk being ‘left behind’ as business rates row deepens

Welsh Liberal Democrat councillor, Sam Bennett — who represents Swansea’s Waterfront ward and is standing for the Senedd in Gŵyr Abertawe — said ministers must “urgently change course” to stop Welsh venues being placed at a competitive disadvantage.

The row erupted after the UK Chancellor announced extra relief for pubs and music venues in England, cutting an average £1,650 from their bills next year. The support does not apply in Wales, and the Welsh Government has yet to confirm whether it will introduce a similar scheme.

When pressed in the Senedd by Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds, the First Minister declined to commit to matching the English package, saying she needed to examine the details first.

Bennett said that hesitation was already causing alarm among Swansea Bay businesses facing rising costs, staff shortages and falling footfall.

Cllr Sam Bennett said:

“Pubs and hospitality businesses are at the heart of our communities, but too many are being pushed to the brink. Scaling back business rates relief now would be a serious mistake.

Support cannot stop at pubs alone. Cafés, restaurants and other hospitality businesses are facing exactly the same pressures.”

Industry leaders warn Wales is becoming uncompetitive

Concerns over Wales’ business rates system intensified this week after a BBC report highlighted the widening gap between Wales and England.

The broadcaster spoke to Philip Thomas, Wales director of the Society of Independent Brewers, who said his Treforest brewery would pay no business rates at all if it were located just across the border in Somerset.

Thomas warned that the disparity was “impacting on our ability to compete”, with English rivals — who pay nothing — selling beer into Welsh pubs.

His comments echo growing frustration across the sector as new valuations and the end of pandemic‑era relief push bills sharply higher from April.

Analysis by UK Hospitality shows the sector’s business rates bill in Wales is set to rise from £83.1m this year to £135.7m by 2028‑29.

Political pressure grows — even within Labour

The political tension deepened after Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who chairs Westminster’s All‑Party Parliamentary Beer Group, publicly welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to cut business rates for English pubs.

She said she had been “pushing for pubs to get a fairer deal” and thanked the Chancellor for listening — but made no reference to Wales, where pubs will not receive the same support unless the Welsh Government chooses to replicate it.

Welsh Government: ‘More to say soon’

A Welsh Government spokesperson said ministers were finalising plans for additional support and would announce details soon.

They insisted that almost half of Welsh pubs already receive Small Business Rates Relief, and more than a quarter pay no rates at all.

But Bennett said Swansea Bay businesses cannot wait much longer for clarity.

Cllr Sam Bennett said:

“Without urgent action, we risk losing viable, well‑loved businesses that communities in Swansea Bay simply cannot afford to lose.”

Tonia Antoniazzi and Henry Tufnell among 60 Labour MPs to back call banning social media for under 16s

The MPs have joined a growing push to ban all under‑16s from using social media, warning that children are being exposed to addictive platforms and harmful content on a daily basis.

The joint letter says that children are becoming “anxious, unhappy and unable to focus on learning” because of the sheer amount of time spent online.

The MPs point to research showing the average 12‑year‑old spends 29 hours a week on a smartphone, much of it on platforms they say are “designed to be addictive”. They warn that mental‑health referrals are soaring, with more than 500 children a day being sent for anxiety support in England alone.

The letter argues that the burden shouldn’t fall on parents, but on tech giants, who they say must be forced to enforce age limits properly.

The push follows a major move in Australia, where new laws now block under‑16s from having accounts on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Meta says it removed around 550,000 accounts in the first days of the crackdown.

The MPs say the UK risks “being left behind” unless it follows suit.

Alongside Antoniazzi and Tufnell, the other Welsh signatories are Ruth Jones (Newport West), Andrew Ranger (Wrexham) and Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire & Glyndŵr).

Sharing Table’s Christmas hamper campaign celebrates seventh year delivering festive cheer across Gower

The 2025 campaign marked the seventh consecutive year that The Sharing Table has organised Christmas deliveries, with more than 100 hampers distributed across the constituency. Each one was filled with locally sourced, high‑quality produce with the support of businesses including Karl Davies Butcher and Shepherds of Gorseinon.

Ms Antoniazzi, who has backed the project since its launch in 2019, reflected on the importance of the initiative at a time when households across Swansea’s north and western communities continue to feel the strain.

Speaking on the campaign, Tonia Antoniazzi MP said:

“This campaign is a reminder of what makes our community here in Gower and across Swansea so special. Although Gower is often seen as an affluent area, it encompasses many post‑industrial and rural communities where families still face real challenges. These hampers make a meaningful difference every Christmas, and I’m hugely grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s campaign possible.”

The Sharing Table was founded by Andrew Copson, who initially set out to ensure families who needed a little extra support at Christmas never went without.

The project has since expanded beyond festive support, now helping to install kitchens in local schools, giving pupils and community groups access to vital cooking and nutrition education.

Andrew Copson expressed his gratitude to the community for their ongoing commitment.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported The Sharing Table throughout the year. Whether you donated, volunteered, partnered with us, or helped spread the word, you’ve played a vital part in making sure families across our community feel supported and valued.

“The generosity we see year after year is truly humbling, and it’s what keeps this project growing. I’m incredibly grateful to every individual and local business who has stood with us.”

Ms Antoniazzi added:

“It has been a privilege to support The Sharing Table’s wider work. Their school kitchens project makes a positive impact far beyond Christmas. Its been brilliant seeing them helping young people gain confidence to cook, learn about food and nutrition, and gain some important life skills. Andrew and his team are an inspiration, and the whole community should be proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Tonia also thanked the volunteers, donors, and local businesses whose support ensured the 2025 hampers reached families from Cockett to Gorseinon, Penclawdd to West Cross, and across the Gower peninsula.

“Every volunteer who packed a hamper, every business that contributed, and every individual who gave time or money helped brighten someone’s Christmas. Your kindness brought joy to homes across Gower.”

Residents wishing to support The Sharing Table, whether through donations, volunteering, or contributing to next year’s hamper campaign are encouraged to get in touch with The Sharing Table or Tonia Antoniazzi MPs constituency office.

Swansea humanitarian returns home after detention in Israel

Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying she was “relieved” that her constituent was back in Swansea after his ordeal. Evans had been part of a humanitarian flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza when the vessel was intercepted.

From aid mission to prison cell

What began as a humanitarian voyage ended with Evans and fellow crew members being taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod, around 30 miles north of Gaza, before being transferred to Ketziot prison in the Negev desert.

He was held there for four days, during which he reported unsanitary conditions, harsh treatment from guards and a lack of adequate drinking water. A British consulate representative was able to visit the detainees during this period, offering some reassurance to families back home.

Release, return and reflection

Evans was eventually released on bail and returned to the UK. His detention coincided with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and Friday prayers in Istanbul, which he described as a moving experience despite the circumstances.

Back in Swansea, his wife Mae Grave praised the British consulate for its support and thanked neighbours in Sandy Lane for rallying around the family during the ordeal. She said the community’s solidarity had been a source of strength.

MP hails community support

In her letter to constituents, Tonia Antoniazzi MP expressed pride in the consulate’s role and the backing shown locally, adding that Evans’ safe return was a relief to all who had followed the case.

Swansea Bay News previously reported on MPs raising concerns in Parliament about the safety of Britons on the flotilla. Evans’ return now closes a chapter that had sparked both international attention and deep local worry.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Gower MP issues update on Swansea humanitarian detained with Gaza flotilla
Tonia Antoniazzi MP provided an update after her constituent Leigh Evans was detained while delivering aid towards Gaza.

Swansea humanitarian among Britons on Gaza flotilla as MPs raise safety concerns
MPs raised concerns in Parliament over the safety of British nationals, including Swansea’s Leigh Evans, on board the aid flotilla.

#flotilla #Gaza #Israel #LeighEvans #Palestine #PalestinianAction #ProPalestinian #Swansea #ThousandMadleenFlotilla #ToniaAntoniazziMP

Gower MP issues update on Swansea humanitarian detained with Gaza flotilla

Vessel intercepted and towed to Ashdod

In a statement released this afternoon (8 October), Ms Antoniazzi said that Mr Evans had been on board the Abd ElKarin Eid, one of the flotilla vessels, when it was stopped by Israeli forces last night.

The ship is currently being towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod, a journey expected to take around 20 hours.

Updates from the Foreign Office and the consular caseworker assigned to Mr Evans confirm that he is safe and well.

Flotilla statement

The Thousand Madleen Flotilla said lawyers would be able to meet those detained once they arrive on land, and that Mr Evans’s wife, Maz Varey, was being kept informed.

“We are hopeful that Leigh and the other crew members will be released soon and will be able to return home safely,” the group said. “We have no confirmation at this moment of the time and date of their release or return, but we hope they will be able to return to the UK within the next few days.”

The statement also expressed gratitude to contacts in Israel “who are doing all they can to ensure Leigh Evans returns safely to his home in Wales.”

MP: “We remain in constant contact”

Ms Antoniazzi said her office was in regular contact with both the Foreign Office and Mr Evans’s family.

“My team remains in constant contact with Leigh’s wife, Maz, and with officials handling his case. We will continue to press for updates and to support the family until Leigh is safely home.”

The journey so far

As we reported earlier this week (full story here), Leigh Evans was among several Britons aboard the flotilla, which set sail to deliver humanitarian aid towards Gaza.

Concerns for their safety were raised in Parliament, with MPs urging the UK Government to ensure consular support for those involved.

Awaiting release and return

It is not yet clear when Mr Evans and the other crew members will be released, but hopes remain that they could return to the UK within days. Swansea Bay News will continue to follow developments closely.

Related Articles

• Swansea humanitarian among Britons on Gaza flotilla as MPs raise safety concerns
• Swansea activist pensioner arrested in Palestine set to return home
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Swansea humanitarian among Britons on Gaza flotilla as MPs raise safety concerns

Leigh Evans, who describes himself as a “full‑time humanitarian,” is among two Welsh participants on the Global Sumud Flotilla, alongside Nadia Kearney from Wrexham. The convoy of boats, backed by campaigner Greta Thunberg, is attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza.

MPs sign letter to Foreign Secretary

Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi confirmed she is one of 84 parliamentarians who have signed a letter to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for protection of those on board.

She wrote on social media:

“Two Welsh citizens – Leigh Evans from Swansea and Nadia Kearney from Wrexham – are among those on board. We must ensure their safety and defend their right to engage in non‑violent humanitarian action.”

The letter, coordinated by Labour MP Bell Ribeiro‑Addy, highlights past incidents where flotillas have been intercepted by Israeli forces and urges the UK Government to take steps to prevent harm to British nationals.

Previous arrest in London protest

Evans has been a visible figure in pro‑Palestinian activism. In August he was arrested during a London protest in support of the banned group Palestine Action. Extinction Rebellion, which shared footage of the arrest, described it as part of a wider clampdown on freedom of expression.

Following his release, Evans posted a lengthy message on Instagram urging supporters not to “fear the arrest,” calling for “passive interference” such as strikes, unpaid leave, and visible acts of solidarity. His post ended with the slogan “From the river to the sea.”

Viral moment at Rafah crossing

Evans previously went viral after being filmed in tears at the Rafah border in Egypt, pleading with police to be allowed into Gaza. In the clip, reported by the Jewish Chronicle, he described the “horror” of conditions inside the Strip and appealed to officers as his “brothers” to “allow us to stand for Falesteen”.

Calls for protection

Campaigners in Wales have echoed concerns for those on board. Pembrokeshire activist Jim Scott has written to MPs and ministers urging the UK and Welsh governments to follow European countries that have pledged naval protection for their citizens.

He warned that flotilla vessels had already faced intimidation in international waters and said: “Innocent Palestinian civilians, women and children are starving and under constant bombardment, and those aboard the flotilla are risking their lives to help them.”

Humanitarian mission under scrutiny

The flotilla, carrying food, baby formula and medical supplies, has drawn international attention. Supporters describe it as a peaceful humanitarian effort, while critics argue such missions risk confrontation with Israeli forces enforcing the blockade.

For Evans, the journey marks the latest chapter in a series of high‑profile interventions that have made him both a celebrated and controversial figure in the UK’s pro‑Palestinian movement.

Related articles

• Swansea activist pensioner arrested in Palestine set to return home

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‘Transformational for our communities’: South West Wales MPs react to £214m Pride in Place funding

While Labour MPs hailed the investment as “transformational” and a “once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity”, opposition councillors in Bridgend voiced frustration that their county had received far less than neighbouring areas.

Swansea

Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West, said:

“We have won something rare – a massive, over £20 million, long‑term investment in Swansea. This is our chance for people to get involved in improving our city, from regenerating our city centre to boosting all our high streets.”

Tonia Antoniazzi, MP for Gower, added:

“Local people know their area better than anyone else and that is why the government has decided to do this differently. This is our chance to improve our area by making the big decisions for ourselves.”

Council leader Rob Stewart also welcomed the funding, describing it as “great to see this investment coming to Swansea” and urging that Wales must not be left worse off after Brexit.

Neath Port Talbot

Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberafan Maesteg, said the £20m for Neath Port Talbot was:

“A once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to invest in our communities. It will be up to all of us to decide how exactly this money is spent – not politicians in London, but local residents, right here in Aberafan Maesteg.”

Carmarthenshire

Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, welcomed the £20m for Carmarthenshire, saying:

“This £20 million of new funding will change lives over the next decade and be spent where local people need it most. Local people know their area better than anyone else and that is why the UK Labour Government has decided to do this differently.”

Pembrokeshire

Henry Tuffnell, MP for Mid & South Pembrokeshire, highlighted the £1.5m allocation as:

“A valuable boost for regenerating our local areas, and I’ll be working with Pembrokeshire County Council to make sure that money is used in the best way possible for our community.”

Bridgend

Chris Elmore, MP for Bridgend, announced:

“£3 million from the UK Labour Government for our communities – and you get to help decide how it’s spent. This is a huge opportunity to shape the future of Bridgend and Porthcawl together.”

But the award has drawn criticism locally.

Independent councillor Steven Bletsoe said:

“£3m is very welcome investment into our town centres and that money needs to be wisely spent. But how on earth are we getting eight times less than Aberavon and Maesteg? I simply cannot comprehend this.”

A spokesperson for the Bridgend Independent Group added:

“Of course we welcome an additional £3m but once again Bridgend gets treated less favourably than our neighbours. Maybe our MP should spend less time having photos taken and more time fighting for his constituency.”

#AberafanMaesteg #Bridgend #ChrisElmoreMP #CllrRobStewart #CllrStevenBletsoe #HenryTufnellMP #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #Pembrokeshire #PrideInPlace #PrideInPlaceFund #PrideInPlaceImpactFund #StephenKinnockMP #Swansea #ToniaAntoniazziMP #TorstenBell #UKGovernment

South West Wales to share in £214m Pride in Place investment for local projects

Swansea is set to receive £20 million over the next decade as part of a new UK Government programme that puts local people in charge of how money is spent on their communities.

The Pride in Place fund, announced today by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will see nine areas across Wales each receive up to £20m, alongside a further £34.5m shared between every local authority in the country.

Swansea: £20m over ten years

Swansea is one of the areas chosen for the full £20m allocation. Local MP Tonia Antoniazzi said the funding – £2m a year for ten years – was a “massive investment” that would be decided by residents themselves.

“Local people know their area better than anyone else and that is why the government has decided to do this differently,” she said. “This is our chance to improve our area by making the big decisions for ourselves – not by letting other people make decisions for us.”

A local board will be set up to coordinate the project, with residents invited to submit ideas ranging from park improvements to bringing empty buildings back into use.

Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire also in line for £20m

Neighbouring Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire are also among the nine areas selected for the full £20m allocation.

Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberafan Maesteg, said the £20m for Neath Port Talbot was “a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity” and stressed:

“It will be up to all of us to decide how exactly this money is spent – not politicians in London, but local residents, right here in Aberafan Maesteg.”

Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, welcomed the £20m for Carmarthenshire, saying:

“This £20 million of new funding will change lives over the next decade and be spent where local people need it most. Local people know their area better than anyone else and that is why the UK Labour Government has decided to do this differently.”

Bridgend: £3m as ‘most in need’

Bridgend Council will receive £3m from the Pride in Place Impact Fund – double the £1.5m given to most other authorities – after being identified as the local authority most in need.

Pembrokeshire: £1.5m

Pembrokeshire will receive £1.5m from the same impact fund, earmarked for improvements to public spaces such as bus shelters, park toilets, bins and leisure centres.

Henry Tuffnell, MP for Mid & South Pembrokeshire, highlighted the £1.5m allocation as:

“A valuable boost for regenerating our local areas, and I’ll be working with Pembrokeshire County Council to make sure that money is used in the best way possible for our community.”

💷 Pride in Place funding – South West Wales

• Swansea: £20m (main fund) + £1.5m (impact fund) = £21.5m
• Neath Port Talbot: £20m (main fund) + £1.5m (impact fund) = £21.5m
• Carmarthenshire: £20m (main fund) + £1.5m (impact fund) = £21.5m
• Bridgend: £3m (impact fund – identified as most in need)
• Pembrokeshire: £1.5m (impact fund)

Total new investment across these five counties: £69m

UK Government: ‘Communities in control’

The UK Government says the programme is about giving local people the power to decide how money is spent.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“This is a huge investment, but what matters most is who decides how it’s spent: the neighbours, volunteers and parents who know their communities best.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added:

“More than £200 million of new investment will see improvements made to communities up and down Wales making them even greater places to live and work.”

Wider context

The Pride in Place programme builds on previous regeneration schemes, taking total UK Government funding for Welsh communities to more than £300m. It will run alongside Welsh Government initiatives such as Transforming Towns and Placemaking.

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