THE future of HSBC, Cardigan’s last remaining bank, is secure – at least until the end of the year, town councillors have been told.

And the town’s distinguished Lloyds Bank building – a dominant High Street presence since Victorian times – is safeguarded as it is a protected Grade II-listed building.

During a general discussion on the impending closures of Barclays and Lloyds Banks, Councillor Clive Davies disclosed he had been assured that no HSBC branch would close in 2024.

But members agreed to press each bank on what alternative arrangements they had in mind amid considerable anxiety and uncertainty among long-standing customers, particularly the elderly.

Town mayor Sian Maehrlein revealed one lady had been under the mistaken belief that the closure of her bank meant her account was no longer in use and she’d had to be re-assured her that cheques could still be paid in at the Post Office.

“I am though deeply saddened at the whole situation,” she said. “Can we as a council press for some kind of banking review?”

Cllr Maehrlein added that a town resident had expressed fears over the future of the Lloyd’s Bank building and its ‘exquisite’ stained glass windows.

However, Cllr Clive Davies said that the Grade II-listed building would be preserved for future generations.

He also disclosed that the idea of some kind of banking hub was ‘not new’ and that the technology which would enable such a facility was already in place.

“I am working with MP Ben Lake to try and make it happen,” he said. “Certain conditions have to be set in order to establish such a hub.

“However, it’s great that we have a post office that offers various banking facilities and Barclays are planning on having a presence in Cardigan.”

Cllr Olwen Davies suggested writing to each individual bank in town to establish what future provisions were being put in place.

“It would be good for people to be given a full picture on what’s happening,” she added.