Llandovery councillors have called on HRH the Prince of Wales to support their campaign to prevent the closure of Lloyds Bank in March this year.

The announcement follows the closure of HSBC and Natwest, leaving Barclays with the only permanent presence in the town.

There was uproar in the town when Lloyds announced their intention to close the branch, which has historic connections to Llandovery.

The Town Council wrote to Lloyds urging them to reconsider their decision, which they say would be a "body-blow" to the community. The letter from the Town Council pointed out that Lloyds Bank and its precursor, The Black Ox, have been present in Llandovery since 1799.

It goes on to say that Lloyd’s Bank and the Drovers are an integral part of the history of the town, a history that is still celebrated annually with the Llandovery Sheep Festival.

The letter called on Lloyds to reconsider their decision, however a response from the bank stated that the decision was “not taken lightly” and was in response to the “changing way customers choose to bank with us”.

Mayor of Llandovery, Councillor David Long, said: “We are extremely disappointed with the response from Lloyds Bank and feel that we have been fobbed-off.

“They have failed to recognize or address our concerns and those of their customers. We will not take this lying down and will continue to fight the closure”.

Llandovery County Councillor Ivor Jackson added: "The news has come as a body blow for the community. How are tradespeople expected to use their local banks when we will be limited to just one branch should Lloyds close."

The Town Council have now written to HRH Prince Charles seeking his support in the campaign to prevent the closure.