Residents, businesses and community leaders gathered today ( 12th March) to celebrate the successful campaign to secure a new banking hub for Pembroke Dock, marking the end of a determined community effort to restore access to face-to-face banking services in the town led by Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz.
The event took place at Pembroke Dock Town Council, where supporters of the campaign came together for a photograph and celebration to recognise the hard work that helped secure the recommendation.
The hub has been recommended following an assessment by LINK, which confirmed that the town meets the criteria for a shared banking hub. The service will be delivered by Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit company funded by major high street banks to protect access to cash and everyday banking services in communities across the UK.
Local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz, who led the community campaign, said the announcement represents a major victory for the town.
“This campaign has shown the power of a community coming together. Residents, local businesses and community groups all made their voices heard, and together we have secured a hugely important service for Pembroke Dock and all of South Pembrokeshire.”
The campaign gathered strong public support, with more than 1,500 residents and businesses signing a petition calling for improved access to banking services after the town lost its last bank branch.
Supporters say the new hub will play a vital role in supporting older residents, small businesses and people who rely on access to cash and face-to-face banking support.
“For many people, particularly older residents and small businesses, access to in-person banking is essential,” Mr Kurtz added. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who signed the petition, shared their experiences and helped make the case for Pembroke Dock.”
Work will now begin to identify a suitable location for the hub, with Cash Access UK aiming to open the service within the coming months.
Samuel Kurtz said the celebration was an opportunity to thank the community for their support.
“This success belongs to everyone who got involved. It’s fantastic to see the community come together to celebrate what we’ve achieved.”
Trevor Collins, Owner of Modern Print in Pembroke Dock said, “ A banking hub is wonderful news for Pembroke Dock and South Pembrokeshire. People will no longer be forced to travel to Haverfordwest or further afield to meet their bank representatives. Something that will particularly befit the senior member of our community. Moreover, it will also pull people into Pembroke Dock from all over South Pembrokeshire which is good for the town’s businesses. Big thanks to Sam Kurtz and all the other people who have made this possible.”
Cllr Michele Wiggins, Mayor of Pembroke Dock said, “It’s fantastic news for Pembroke Dock and South Pembrokeshire. It’s really needed in our town and it’s vital for our residents to have face to face access.
We thank everyone who worked together to achieve the banking hub for our residents. We look forward to working with link to make this happen.”
Cllr Gareth Jones, Mayor of Pembroke, said - "Today, we were privileged to celebrate the announcement of a Banking Hub for Pembroke Dock, Pembroke and the wider community in South Pembrokeshire. The closure of the Last Bank Branch in Pembroke Dock last year deprived so many people of face to face service and choice. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of our residents and businesses and we were listened to by Sam Kurtz MS, who devoted such energy to the campaign that we have this outstanding result, and win, to celebrate today.”
Stephen Thornton, Chair Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Chamber of Trade said,
“This is great news for local businesses. Members of the Chamber of Trade are delighted that a hub will be available. This will be good for the economy and good for investment in the area.”
Peter Robinson, owner of Pembroke Dock Post Office said “ We are absolutely delighted that a Banking Hub is coming to Pembroke Dock. This will be a huge asset to the town and indeed the whole of the south Pembrokeshire as it will provide services that the Post Office cannot do. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has worked so hard to deliver this and now look forward to seeing it open.”
