Liberal Democrats have urged the Welsh Government to take “urgent” action over Mid Wales bank closures after Lloyds announced another town centre branch would be closing.

Mid and West Wales MS and leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, has made a plea to the government to “not leave us behind” regarding the future of high street bank branches in Wales, as Lloyds announced that their branch in Brecon would be closing next year.

READ MORE: Lloyds Bank confirms Brecon branch is set to close next year

The closure will see many Mid Wales residents lose access to their nearest branch, as it joins a string of Powys Lloyds closures, such as the loss of Lloyds branches in both Ystradgynlais and Presteigne as well as further north in Welshpool when the Lloyds branch closed in 2022, while their Newtown branch closed in April 2024.

HSBC also closed their Welshpool branch in 2021, while in December 2023 Barclays announced that their sole remaining branch in Powys, in Builth Wells, would also be closing.

Speaking about bank closures on rural high streets, Ms Dodds said: “The announced closure of the Lloyds bank branch in Brecon is just the latest in an alarming trend of bank closures across rural Wales.

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“In just the past year and a half, my region has witnessed the disappearance of HSBC and Barclays from Brecon's high street, and the closures of Lloyds branches in Ystradgynlais and Presteigne.

“While I acknowledge that the shift towards digital banking is inevitable, the Welsh Government must act to ensure that no one is left behind as we enter the digital age.

“In many rural areas, a mixture of poor internet connection and an older population means that less people will be able to access online banking services.

“Given the ongoing importance of cash access and financial inclusion for all citizens, I would appreciate the Welsh Government outlining plans to work with the financial services industry to protect access to cash in our rural areas.”