South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell has welcomed the recommendation by LINK for a new ‘banking hub’ be established in Pembroke Dock, to cover South Pembrokeshire residents and businesses.

The news comes following more than a year of campaigning to improve access to face-to-face banking services in the south of the county.

The move comes after the closure of Lloyds Bank in the town last year, which left many residents and businesses facing long journeys of over an hour to access basic banking services.

Labour MP Henry Tufnell said: “I am delighted that LINK has recommended a banking hub for Pembroke Dock following our constructive engagement last month.

“This is something I have been pushing for, for over a year, working with LINK, government ministers, the regulator, Lloyds Bank, the Post Office, and my constituents.

“Access to in person banking services remains vital for communities across Pembrokeshire, and I will continue to work hard to ensure these services are delivered.”

Over the past year, Mr Tufnell says he has engaged extensively with LINK, the body responsible for assessing communities for access to cash, as well as Lloyds Bank, the FCA regulator, and government ministers; meeting with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby MP, to discuss banking services in Pembroke Dock and across Pembrokeshire.

Mr Tufnell said that It was through these discussions with the regulator and ministers that he was able to ensure LINK took into account the wider regional context when assessing access to cash, which enabled the recommendation for a banking hub in Pembroke Dock to be approved.

The MP said he will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with all stakeholders to ensure the new banking hub is delivered as quickly as possible, helping to maintain access to essential services for residents and businesses across Mid and South Pembrokeshire.