Pontarddulais residents have gathered to create a petition after a bank closure has left villagers strapped for cash.

Lloyds Bank closed its doors earlier this year and residents have been forced to go online or travel elsewhere if they want to do their banking in person.

The community has lost three banks in the last 18 months and also lost a cashpoint with the loss and reselling of Co-op.

In addition, to a free cashpoint at Tesco, one new cashpoint has recently been added at the Shell garage situated on St Teilo Street.

The petition created by Welsh Labour urges one of the big four British banks to provide the people of Pontarddulais with better bank facilities.

The petition reads: “Currently the community had one 24 hour cash machine at Tesco which fails to meet the needs of the community and the visiting mobile bank does not cater for its growing population.”

Welsh Labour candidate for the Gower, Tonia Antoniazzi has lent her support to the growing calls to bring a bank back to the area.

“Pontarddulais is a thriving community and it has been let down by the bank,” said Tonia.

“The people of Pontarddulais need access to more 24-hour cash machines.

“The Tesco ATM is often out of order due to the high demand.”

"I will make sure that the banks will get this message loud and clear."

There are also concerns for the new Lloyd Bank mobile service which is currently accessible in the village during certain times.

Former County Councillor Steve Lloyd-Janes said: “Since Lloyds Bank left, the cashpoint at Tesco has started crashing.

“In the last two months there has been some improvements but not enough.

“Lloyds Bank has listened to concerns and moved the mobile van to Tesco car park, which is more accessible for residents, but now there are concerns for the winter months.

“The van only fits two customers at a time which leaves people queueing outside. We don't know what will happen during the rain and cold weather.

“The village really needs the big four banks to reconsider the closures and the lack of a full time banking facility in the local community.