LLANDOVERY is set to lose the town's only bank as Barclays have announced they will close their branch in June.

The bank has sent out letters to its customers in the area confirming that they will be leaving the town on June 7.

Giving reasons for the closure, the letter said: "The decision to close a branch is never an easy one; however, we are finding that fewer customers are using the branch to do their everydau banking.

"Taking into consideration the alternative ways to bank that are available in the area, we have made the decision to close the branch."

Councillor Handel Davies described the news as "sad" but said: "It is reflective of society today with the rise in online banking. Sadly it is often the rural communities who feel the brunt of these decisions.

"They are the ones who are hit hardest. I have no magic wand to change anything sadly.

"I would like to know if Barclays are planning on maintaining the cashpoint in the town however, and if they will be providing mobile banking services for residents. This is the last bank in Llandovery we are talking about."

Stephanie Dibble, Barclays Community Banking Director for the area said: “The way customers undertake their banking is changing as people increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices. At Barclays Llandovery branch, customer usage has continued to decline, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to close it. (8% in the last 24 months)

"We hope that the availability of our other branches at Barclays Llandeilo, Barclays Lampeter and access to banking services at the local Post Office currently located at 10 Market St, Llandovery, along with our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers.”

A spokesman added: "All of our customers will receive a letter, our decision to close document and posters will be displayed in branch and colleagues will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have.  

"We will be proactively engaging with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally, before the branch closes on June 7.

"Customers are able to undertake everyday transactions at the Post Office.

"We urge any customer who is concerned about how to undertake their banking once the branch closes to contact us so that we can discuss alternative banking options.

"We will look to host ‘teach and teach’ sessions individually or in a group for any customer wishing to explore digital banking."