Residents, businesses and visitors are being urged to complete a new community survey following the removal of two cash machines from Narberth High Street.

Until recently, Narberth had three cash machines. Both High Street machines were removed this summer, leaving just one remaining facility tucked away in a corner outside CKs (NISA) supermarket on Spring Gardens.

Campaigners say the loss is having a serious impact on local people - particularly older residents, those who do not use digital banking, visitors and businesses that rely on convenient cash withdrawal and paying-in services.

LINK, the organisation responsible for assessing communities’ access to cash, has concluded that the approximately 7,000 adults living in the Narberth area have adequate access to alternative facilities. These include banks in Haverfordwest, Post Offices in surrounding communities and the cash machine at the Co-op in Kilgetty.

For people relying on public transport reaching these alternatives can be difficult and time-consuming.

Local pensioner Terry Pitts, who is nearly 90, remarked: “I prefer paying for things in cash, but the one cash machine we have left is often empty when I try to use it.
Local pensioner Terry Pitts, who is nearly 90, remarked: “I prefer paying for things in cash, but the one cash machine we have left is often empty when I try to use it.” (Kirsty Jones)

Local pensioner Terry Pitts, who is nearly 90, remarked: “I prefer paying for things in cash, but the one cash machine we have left is often empty when I try to use it. A round trip from Narberth to Kilgetty can take up to three hours by bus, and it really takes it out of you at my age.”

LINK has also identified a cash machine at Folly Farm as an alternative facility. However, campaigners point out that the machine is located inside the family attraction and can only be accessed by paying visitors.

Henry Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said: “Paying £29 for a ticket to an attraction just to access a cashpoint is absurd. Local residents need free-to-use cashpoints restored to Narberth High Street.

“I will continue to engage with constituents, local businesses, the council, LINK and colleagues in Parliament to ensure better access to banking services right across our county.”

With only a limited period available to appeal LINK’s decision, local campaigners have launched a survey to gather evidence about how the loss of Narberth’s High Street cash machines is affecting the community.

Narberth cash machine QR
To complete the survey, scan the QR code using a smartphone or tablet. (Kirsty Jones)

A campaign spokesperson said: “We need to show clearly how these closures affect residents, businesses and visitors. Whether it means travelling further, struggling to withdraw cash or losing trade, we need to hear people’s experiences.

“The evidence collected through this survey will be used to challenge LINK’s decision. Every response counts.”

Anyone who lives in the Narberth area, runs a local business, visits the town or regularly uses its services is encouraged to take part.

To complete the survey (which closes August 7), scan the QR code on the accompanying survey posters around Narberth.

County Councillors Marc Tierney
County Councillors Marc Tierney (Kirsty Jones)

Narberth Urban and Rural County Councillors Marc Tierney and Elwyn Morse are supporting the campaign and encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to respond, stating: “We need strong evidence from local people and businesses to demonstrate why convenient access to cash still matters in Narberth.

“Every response will help build the case for better local cash services, so please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share it with others.”