Newtown High Street has said goodbye to Lloyds as the bank closed its last Montgomeryshire branch on Wednesday (April 3).

The bank announced in November last year that it was closing the branch due to “the changing behaviour of how customers bank”.

Lloyds has reassured its north Powys customers that a community banker will be available at Hafan yr Afon in Newtown every Tuesday from April 9 between 9am and 3pm, providing face to face services to customers, including making payments, account enquiries and online banking support for as long as the community needs it.

READ MORE:

A Lloyds Bank spokesperson: “As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to our Newtown branch have fallen over recent years.

“The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs.

“Customers can also manage their money through our mobile banking apps, online, by calling us or speaking to a Community Banker.”

Customers can also get help from their nearest branches in Presteigne and Shrewsbury.

List of bank branches in Powys (April 2024)

  • Lloyds Bank – Presteigne and Brecon
  • Nationwide – Newtown
  • Santander – Newtown and Brecon
  • NatWest – Newtown and Brecon
  • HSBC - Newtown and Llandrindod Wells

Last year, following the announcement that the branch would close, Russell George MS said it was "deeply disappointing" for Newtown and the surrounding communities.

"There are still so many customers who prefer not to bank online, or who are simply unable to given the nature of rural counties such as Montgomeryshire," he added.

It follows the Welshpool branch closure in January last year. The building has since been converted into one of Wales' first banking hubs following the departure of several banks.

Newtown is the only town in north Powys that has bank branches. They include HSBC, Nationwide, Santander and NatWest.

County Times: County Times subscription offer

The HSBC branch at The Cross will be closed from Friday, April 12, to Saturday, May 13, while the building undergoes refurbishment.

The revamp includes a new ATM cash machine installed outside the building facing High Street and two brand new multi-function devices which will allow customers to access a range of services and make payments, which also aims to reduce queues inside the branch.

The Newtown HSBC team will be based downstairs in the Market Hall during the closure to deal with everyday banking services, as well as hiring a unit for any customers who want to discuss personal banking issues in private.

Staff will be available to meet in-person from 9.30am to 2pm on Thursday, April 18, and Friday, April 19; Tuesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 25; Tuesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 2.