Lloyds Bank has confirmed its Brecon branch is set to close next year

The bank has confirmed the branch on the High Street will close as of February 11 next year in a move that has been described as “deeply disappointing”.

Lloyds said the move had come after research showed that 79 per cent of their personal customers already use other ways of banking, such as mobile, internet or phone banking, as well as other branches.

A Lloyds Bank spokesperson said: “As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to our Brecon 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.”

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The bank has said customers can still access services in the Post Office, which is a four minute walk away at Lion Street.

This will include access to cash, paying in of cheques, and more.

The move was met with disapproval from MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick.

In a statement online he said: “The news that Lloyds will be shutting it's Brecon Branch early next year is extremely frustrating for our local community.

“Residents across Mid Wales have had to deal with an unprecedented number of bank closures in recent years and this will be yet another blow.

“I will be pressing the new UK Government to strengthen the minimum service requirements offered by our high street banks and to accelerate the rollout of banking hubs so that residents and local businesses continue to have acess to cash services.

“We cannot see those who do not use online banking or those without regular access to the internet excluded from society.”

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He was joined by former MP and leader of the Liberal Democrats in Wales Jane Dodds MS who added: “It is deeply disappointing to hear that the Lloyds bank in Brecon will be closing down next year, dealing a huge blow to both the town centre and local residents.

“We must do everything in our power to ensure that these people are not cast aside and forgotten about as we enter the digital age.

“I will be asking the First Minister what her government intends to do about the loss of banks on our rural high streets.”

The bank confirmed they will be contacting customers to let them know about the alternate local banking services available and that in the run up to the branch closure, staff will be on-hand “to offer support and guidance on the ways customers can bank with us”.

After the branch closes Lloyds have said they will will have a Community Banker visit the area, “who will continue to offer face to face targeted support for as long as the community needs it”.