A NEW mobile banking service is now operating in Newcastle Emlyn ahead of the closure of the town’s Lloyds Bank at the end of the month.

Lloyds, the last remaining bank on the high street in Newcastle Emlyn after Barclays shut at the end of last year, will close its doors for the final time on Tuesday, January 29 but is already trialling its mobile service so that customers can get used to it.

The mobile bank will be situated at the Mart car park for four hours every week – from 10am-noon on a Monday and 1pm-3pm on a Wednesday.

Branch manager Judith Thomas said: “We looked to see what were our busiest days in the town and this is designed to cover that.

“We are very much still focused on the local community and also helping our vulnerable customers.

“The van is fully accessible to people with disabilities who might have a wheelchair or a walking frame – something that was not the case at the branch itself.

“We realise this will seem a big change to people but the mobile branch will be offering a full service. We value our customers in the town, both personal and businesses and this is a way of meeting their banking needs.

“There has been a massive decrease in the number of people using the branch itself but I am so proud that we are able to offer this alternative.

“We are also working closely with the Post Office for people to use for the days when we are not here.”

Customers will be able to sign up to a text service to inform them if there are any problems or delays with the mobile service, while there is also a dedicated telephone number people can ring to check .

There will be no job losses when the branch closes, with staff allocated to other areas.

Newcastle Emlyn mayor Cllr Cefin Evans said: “It is sad to see the main branch close but the mobile bank will be here on a couple of days every week and it’s very important that we use it and keep that level of service.”