A new mobile banking service has been launched in Rhymney to replace the Lloyds Bank branch, which closed earlier this month.
The new service, which opened on Monday, January 28, will visit Rhymney between 9.30am and 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Dawn Bowden AM, Gerald Jones MP and local councillors Carl Cuss and Gaynor Oliver all went to see the service van on the day it opened.
Ms Bowden said: “Local people were obviously disappointed that the local branch of Lloyds Bank closed but we are pleased that our joint representations to the bank and asking them to retain a service in Rhymney has been successful.
“The mobile bank provides a wide range of services and is a useful option for local businesses. We hope people support the mobile service on the days it visits Rhymney.
“We continue to talk to other providers about the availability of financial services like cashpoints in communities in the Upper Rhymney valley and are pressing for local improvements.”
Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP Mr Jones told Caerphilly Observer: “The loss of Lloyds Bank is a bitter blow to Rhymney and the surrounding area.
“The mobile bank is welcome as it will offer local people a range of banking services.
“We have been assured that if the demand increases, they will consider having the mobile unit there more often.”
Cllr Cuss, who is Cabinet Member for Social Care and Wellbeing at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “I was bitterly disappointed when Lloyds Bank decided to close their branch on our high street in Rhymney. This is yet another blow to our high street.
“I, along with our AM, MP and local councillors, held a series of meetings with residents discussing the impact of this closure and whether it could be saved. Unfortunately they continued with the planned closure.
“However Lloyds have promised to put the Mobile Bank at the library car park and they said they will monitor the usage and whether it needs to be extended. I must say it was very popular this morning on its first day.”