Local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz has called on LINK to hold a face-to-face meeting in Pembroke Dock to discuss the forthcoming review of the decision that the town does not qualify for a Banking Hub.
With the 12-month review window now approaching, Mr Kurtz says it is vital that LINK hears directly from residents, businesses and community groups who have been affected by the loss of the town’s final bank branch.
Pembroke Dock has been without any in-person banking services since the closure of its last bank, a situation campaigners say has had a significant impact on older residents, vulnerable people and small businesses who rely on face-to-face support and access to cash.
Under LINK’s current rules, once an assessment has been carried out, a further review cannot normally take place for 12 months unless there has been a significant change in local cash access provision. That review period is now nearing its end, allowing a formal reassessment request to be made.
Mr Kurtz has been leading efforts over the past year to build the case for a Banking Hub, including writing to the Financial Conduct Authority and HM Treasury on the national framework governing access to cash, and raising concerns with the Welsh Government and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.
More than 1,500 residents and businesses have now signed a petition backing the call for a Banking Hub, a level of support Mr Kurtz says demonstrates the strength of feeling locally.
“Pembroke Dock has lost its last bank, and that has changed everyday life for many people,” Samuel Kurtz said. “Not everyone can bank online or travel to Carmarthen when there’s a problem. A face-to-face meeting in the community would allow LINK to hear first-hand how this decision is affecting real people.”
He added that holding the meeting locally would help ensure transparency and build confidence in the review process.
“This is about giving the community a fair hearing. If LINK is going to reassess its decision, it should do so with a clear understanding of local needs, and that means listening directly to those impacted. The last review was undertaken as a desk-based exercise and I’m asking LINK to come and visit to see for themselves the geography of South Pembrokeshire and understand that it is the wider community, and not just Pembroke Dock, that would use this facility.” he said.
Samuel Kurtz has written to LINK formally requesting that representatives attend a community meeting in Pembroke Dock ahead of the review.
Campaigners say they will continue to gather evidence and community support in the run-up to the reassessment and remain confident that Pembroke Dock meets the criteria and intent of the Banking Hub scheme. More information and the online petition are available at www.samuelkurtz.wales.
