LESS THAN a week after the news that Brantano is going into administration, putting at risk its Pembroke Dock store, it has been reported that Diamond Street’s Co- Op Bank is set to close.
The 37 Diamond Street Cooperative Bank branch, which currently employs 8 staff, is due to close later this year on May 9.
Pembroke Dock’s mayor Peter Kraus expressed his concerns regarding the long-term employment situation for the town. Less than a year ago, the Pembroke Dock branch of Barclays Bank also closed, and closure is also possible for London Road’s B&Q store soon.
Cllr. Peter Kraus said: “I thought 2015 was bad but 2016 looks like a worse year, and I’m normally very positive. It’s more job losses, and there’s the inconvenience to the people that bank there.”
Liam Coleman, the Director of Retail and Commercial Bank at The Co-operative Bank, said: “These decisions are never easy but continuing to reduce our costs is necessary as we seek to restructure and modernise the Bank and, unfortunately, this includes closing branches where the number of transactions has declined significantly, meaning it is no longer sustainable.”
He continued: “There are eight roles impacted. We are seeking to keep job losses to a minimum and redeployment opportunities will be offered where possible.”
“Why close the banks when the people need to spend their money locally? What will be next? ” Cllr. Kraus questioned. “We must act now, before the town disappears altogether.”
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