After years without a single bank on the high street, Ystradgynlais residents can at last walk through the doors of a permanent banking hub. The new facility on Commercial Street is the result of a dogged three‑year campaign that saw locals, businesses and community leaders refuse to take “no” for an answer.
The town was left high and dry in 2023 when Lloyds shut its branch despite posting record profits. Public meetings followed, petitions were signed, and applications were lodged with LINK — the body that decides where hubs go. The first bid was rejected, but campaigners pushed back, challenging the data and dragging regulators to Ystradgynlais to see the need for themselves.
That persistence paid off. A temporary hub opened in May, and now a permanent site has been unveiled at 14 Commercial Street, SA9 1HD.
How the hub will serve the town
After years of being left without a single counter service, locals can now walk into the new Commercial Street hub and deal with real people again. Doors are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with different banks taking turns to staff the desks.
- Mondays bring Barclays back to town, giving customers face‑to‑face access that vanished when branches closed.
- Tuesdays are still waiting for a banker to be confirmed, but campaigners say it’s only a matter of time before another name is added.
- Midweek sees Lloyds return on Wednesdays, a striking turnaround after the bank pulled out of Ystradgynlais in 2023.
- HSBC takes the Thursday slot, offering services to residents who once had to travel miles for help.
- Fridays finish with Halifax on hand, rounding off the week with another big name back on the high street.
Victory after years of pressure
The fight to bring banking back to Ystradgynlais wasn’t easy. Applications were rejected, data was disputed, and regulators had to be shown around the town to see the need first‑hand.
At the opening, local MP David Chadwick called it “fantastic news for Ystradgynlais” and reflected on the long road to success:
“After months of pressure, rejected applications and persistent campaigning, including personally showing the Banking Hub regulator around our vibrant town, I’m delighted we’ve secured a permanent, long‑term hub on Commercial Street.
“I launched this campaign to make sure communities like Ystradgynlais and the surrounding area aren’t cut off from essential services.
“Securing a permanent Banking Hub is a major step in ensuring our towns remain supported, connected and able to thrive.
“I will continue pushing to ensure that facilities like this remain protected and that no community in our area is left behind.”
Senedd Member Jane Dodds also welcomed the news, adding:
“Access to banking is not a luxury; it is a necessity, particularly for older residents, small businesses, and those who rely on cash. This hub will make a real and lasting difference.”
