Tenby Chamber of Trade has written to the Town Council to once again highlight concerns over a lack of access to cashpoints in the seaside town. Members have also expressed their disappointment at the recent decision not to proceed with the installation of a cash machine at the new ‘Community Hub’ - developed by Tenby Town Council at the De Valence.

In correspondence that will go before the monthly meeting of Tenby Town Council this evening (Tuesday, May 13), the Chamber of Trade has highlighted how a lack of access to cashpoints in the town continues to pose a real issue for many independent restaurants and retail businesses.

There remains a cashpoint outside the Tesco Express on Tudor Square, and another ATM at the Seafront Pharmacy on High Street, whilst Tenby Stores and Post Office also offers banking facilities inside, but heading into another busy summer, the lack of facilties to draw out cash, remains a concern to local businesses.

Last year, Tenby Town Council announced that it was pushing forward with plans to develop the De Valence’s vacant cafe into a ‘Community Hub’ to occupy the empty premises at the front of the building on Upper Frog Street.

As well the building housing new quarters for the Town Council offices, it was stated that the new hub could also include some form of banking services for the seaside town, after the news that the last branch in Tenby - HSBC would be closing its doors last summer.

With plans approved by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority at the end of last year, and the ‘Community Hub’ progressing, the clerk to Tenby Town Council Andrew Davies recently gave an update on the facility, stating: “At the moment what we will be able to deliver within the Hub is still evolving.

“However, on day one the council offices will be housed within the space and will be able to offer an enhanced range of services to the public.

“At the moment the third party banking provider we were liaising with in relation to the provision of banking services have put their involvement on hold subject to further review,” he added.

Plans for HSBC to locate a ‘Cash Pod’ on land at the Five Arches Car Park opposite the town walls are also up in the air, with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority turning down the proposals.

The correspondence sent by Victoria Brace on behalf of Tenby Chamber of Trade states: “Following the recent news that HSBC has lost its appeal against the opposition from PCNPA regarding their proposed Cash Pod, we feel it is important, as the Tenby Chamber of Trade, to now make direct contact with HSBC to support the relocation and reinstatement of this vital service.

“The lack of access to cash in Tenby continues to pose a real issue for many of our independent restaurants and retail businesses. With the recent removal of the HSBC cashpoint, this concern has become even more pressing.

“We believe it is essential that we, as a Chamber, offer our help and support to HSBC in finding an alternative site for the Cash Pod that serves the needs of our town.

“The dialogue between HSBC and Tenby's retail representatives has now been ongoing for over two years, and it has become increasingly frustrating for those in both the retail and hospitality sectors who rely on convenient cash access for their customers.

“In the meantime, and as a direct result of the lack of available cash facilities, a number of local businesses have taken the initiative to install ATMs within their premises. This is a temporary solution driven by necessity, but it highlights the ongoing demand and the urgent need for a town-wide, coordinated approach to cash access,” she continued.

“We also want to express our disappointment at the recent decision not to proceed with the installation of a cash machine at the Community Hub.

“This decision appears to have been made without any further discussion or communication with the Chamber of Trade, despite a previous meeting held with the Town Council last year where this was raised.

“It was only through recent contact made by one of our members that we received some information from the Town Clerk, which we very much appreciated. However, we would welcome any further detailed information about why this proposal is no longer going ahead.

“As a Chamber, we firmly believe that strong communication between the Chamber of Trade and Tenby Town Council is vital for the continued growth and stability of our town.”