LLOYDS Bank's decision to close its Llandovery branch has come as a "body blow" to the town according to a county councillor.

The firm put the closure down to the "changing ways" customers choose to bank, saying more people are banking online adding that 80 per cent of personal customers already use other branches, such as Llandeilo.

But Llandovery County Councillor Ivor Jackson said it will do nothing for the town's future growth.

He said: "The news has come as a huge body blow for the town, I couldn't believe it when I heard the news that yet another bank was closing in the town.

"How will the town's traders deposit money and cheques now? It will become a turn off for new businesses to the area.

"We need these facilities in countryside towns to support the surrounding rurual areas."

A spokesperson from Lloyds Bank said: "We have made the difficult decision to close Llandovery branch. The majority of customers now regularly use alternative branches or use other ways to bank such as online and telephone banking to complete their banking needs. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause and have informed customers of the closest alternative branches.

"We are also investing in a new fleet of mobile branches for Lloyds Bank to help customers in more rural communities, alongside other ways to access banking locally. One of the new mobile branches will visit Llandovery. Full details of the mobile branch service will be available in advance of the new service becoming operational.”

The High Street bank is set to close on March 7 next year.

Lloyds has also announced Pontarddulais will also see its Lloyds Banks close in March of next year.

Eluned Morgan AM has said she is "disappointed" to learn of Lloyds Bank's intention to close 10 of its branches across Wales, including Llandovery.

"The same bank that was rescued by British taxpayers is now letting its loyal customers down, "she said. "This decision goes to demonstrate the company's small regard for the businesses and customers it is meant to serve.

"I will be making formal representations on this matter and seeking assurances that alternative provisions will be put in place to assist Lloyds customers ahead of branch closures, scheduled between March & April of next year.”