Councillors in Tenby have backed plans for a new ‘community cash pod’ for the seaside town, although concerns have been raised over its potential siting.

With HSBC due to close its doors this summer, being the last bank in the town, there has been a real concern amongst businesses in the community over a lack of cash points in the locality.

Lloyds TSB, Nat West, Santander and Barclays have all departed Tenby in recent years, and with HSBC soon to shut, it could leave the town centre of Tudor Square with just one ATM located at Tesco Express.

The installation of an ATM in the shopfront central lobby at the Evans Seafront Pharmacy, situated on High Street, was welcomed earlier this year by town councillors; along with Tenby Post Office’s efforts to support local access to cash and banking needs.

Cashpoint Tenby pharmacy
The installation of an ATM in the shopfront central lobby at the Evans Seafront Pharmacy, situated on High Street, was welcomed earlier this year by town councillors (Observer pic)

Plans have now been put forward (Ref: NP/24/0204/FUL & NP/24/0205/ADV) for the erection of a Community Cash Pod (Use Class A2) on land in the Five Arches Car Park along South Parade, opposite the historic town walls.

Discussing the proposals at a meeting of Tenby Town Council this month, members recommended approval for the plans stating that they had no objection to the location but feel that there should be no internal illumination of signage due to it's proximity to the historic St Teilos Church, the Conservation Area and the medieval town walls.

Councillors said that they had no objection to the facility being advertised but feel that a ‘little more subtlety’ was required.

Councillors stated that if external illumination cannot be agreed then internal illumination should be turned off between 11pm and 6am daily.

HSBC Tenby
With HSBC due to close its doors this summer, being the last bank in the town, there has been a real concern amongst businesses in the community over a lack of cash points in the locality. (Observer pic)

However, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s building conservation officer, Rob Scourfield has recommended refusal for the application, due to the ‘adverse impact’ it would have on the character/appearance of Tenby Conservation Area and the setting of the listed St Teilos Church.

The recently reformed Tenby Chamber of Trade has sent correspondence to Tenby Town Council this month to reinforce the need for increased cashpoints within the town, to address what they state is a matter of ‘significant importance’ to business owners.

“In recent times, there has been a noticeable gap in the availability of cashpoints, causing inconvenience to residents, visitors, and local businesses alike,” they stated.

“The lack of accessible cash machine facilities can hinder economic activity and restrict financial transactions within our town.”