Fay Jones has said that although she regrets bank closures, it is important to “face up to the future” rather than making false promises about saving branches.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MP met with representatives from Lloyds Bank this week and said she was “greatly reassured” by the plans they have for their Ystradgynlais customers.

In March, Lloyds Banking Group announced that its Ystradgynlais branch will close on September 19 this year.

The Lloyds branch, located on Commercial Street, is the last remaining bank in the town.

The decision to close the branch has been met with disapproval from large parts of community.

MP for Brecon and Radnorshire Fay Jones said: “It was good to meet representatives from Lloyds Bank today to discuss their plans to close the branch in Ystradgynlais, the largest town in my constituency.

“I deeply regret bank closures but it’s important to face up to the future. Rather than promise false hope about saving the branch, my concern is making sure that local people and businesses can access their money, and the important services they need.

“I am greatly reassured by the plans they have to contact every one of the regular users of the branch and going forwards, there will be a Welsh-speaking community banker in post to serve residents on a weekly basis, in addition to the core banking services offered by the Post Office.”

Ms Jones added that she was delighted that her campaign to ensure the the branch’s cash machine will be maintained has been successful.

The cashpoint will be run by LINK.

“This is a good start but anyone with any concerns about how to access their money should contact my office so that we can get you the help you need, because, as I know from residents’ concerns I have raised in the House previously, most notably during the emergency debate I secured in 2021 on the matter, rural access to cash is essential,” added Ms Jones.

A public meeting was held in Ystradgynlais in May, hosted by Liberal Democrat MS Jane Dodds, where more than 50 residents said they wanted to fight the closure.

Representatives from Lloyds were invited to attend the meeting but did not turn up.