Sir,

I was saddened to read that Nat West bank are substantially reducing their Whitland branch opening hours.

As a former chairman of the Chamber of Trade, I know how important it is is for businesses to have access to banking facilities.

Apart from that, it does create a wrong impression about Whitland. The town may have had its difficulties in the past, but judging by the number of businesses willing to invest, it still retains a prosperous and vibrant heart despite these stormy economic times.

The town boasts such facilities as NHS dentists, main line railway station, farmers mart, let alone numerous shops, cafés, pubs and other businesses. It is also good to hear that milk will soon be produced once again on the old creamery site.

I, for one, am convinced that Whitland has a bright future and ask that NatWest reconsider this shortsighted and wrong decision.

Philip Walker BA(Hons)

Whitland.