There has been another blow for banking in Narberth as Barclays have announced that they will be closing its branch in the town at the end of June.

A letter received from local MP Simon Hart from Barclays’ Head of Corporate Relations Wales and West Jonathan Brenchley confirms that the Narberth branch will close its doors on Friday, June 28.

“Our records show low and falling transactional volumes at the branch - 10 per cent in the last 24 months,” explained Mr. Brenchley.

Branches of Barclays located in Pembroke and Milord Haven are also set to close, with the closure of the Milford facility on Hamilton Terrace confirmed for Friday, July 12, and Pembroke Main Street's branch on July 5.

The closures means the nearest branches will be at Tenby and Haverfordwest. Referring to the Narberth closure, Mr. Brenchley said that ‘everyday transactions’ typically carried out over branch counters (including paying in a cheque or depositing cash), can also be completed at the town’s Post Office located at 10 High Street.

Posting on his Facebook page regarding the news, Mr. Hart stated: “Calling Pembroke and Narberth, and surrounding areas - looks like yet another High Street bank, this time Barclays, is about to desert the town centres.”

“Despite assurances that their commitment to rural communities is undiminished and that they ‘take their social responsibilities seriously’ it is quite clear that high street bank brands have decided - almost all of them - to move to an online model, or just rely on the branches in larger towns.

“Some services will be available in the Post Office, and some via mobile vans but it’s never quite the same.

“I have met Barclays about this before, but despite warm words, the intention is clear.

“All of us should make our feelings very clear,” he continued, adding that anybody who would like to contact him over the matter can email him at: [email protected]