Local organisations, businesses, charities, and community representatives are being invited to join forces in a united campaign calling for the establishment of a Banking Hub in South Pembrokeshire.

The call comes as part of an ongoing campaign led by Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Samuel Kurtz, which has already seen a widely supported petition demonstrating strong local demand and has made direct representations to the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.

LINK has confirmed that it will reconsider South Pembrokeshire’s case for a Banking Hub in January, making it crucial to build the strongest possible evidence base ahead of that deadline. He has also written to the UK Government Banking Minister, the FCA, and requested backing from Welsh Government Ministers in the Senedd.

Access to essential banking services has diminished significantly across the area following the closure of the last bank branch in Pembroke Dock.

With HSBC - the last bank in Tenby closing its doors in the summer of 2024 in Tudor Square, many residents and businesses have bemoaned the seaside town’s lack of banking facilities.

Whilst Tenby Stores and Post Office offers banking facilities inside; and a new pop-up credit union branch offering banking services opened this summer at the ‘community hub’ situated inside the De Valence Pavilion, the lack of facilties to draw out cash, has remained a concern for local businesses.

Many residents, small businesses, and voluntary groups still rely on in-person banking services — particularly those who handle cash, need face-to-face advice, or cannot easily use digital banking options.

Mr Kurtz is now inviting organisations across South Pembrokeshire to add their names to a joint community letter being submitted to LINK, calling for urgent action.

He said: “This is a moment for South Pembrokeshire to come together. We’ve already seen clear evidence of local need — from the strong petition response to the concerns raised directly with the Older People’s Commissioner.

“By joining forces now, we can present a compelling, evidence-based case to LINK before their January reassessment. A Banking Hub would provide vital services for residents and businesses alike — and the more voices that support this call, the harder it will be for LINK to ignore.”

The joint letter highlights the benefits a Banking Hub would bring, including:

Organisations are encouraged to confirm their support by Friday, December 12, adding their name to the community letter calling for decisive action from LINK and its banking partners.

Mr Kurtz added: “I urge any business, charity, or community group that depends on local banking services to stand with us. Together, we can secure the banking provision that South Pembrokeshire deserves.”

Organisations wishing to sign the letter can contact the office of Samuel Kurtz MS directly at: [email protected]