A NEWCASTLE Emlyn hairdresser has hit out following the news that the Lloyds Bank branch in the town will be closed every Thursday from 18 August.

Ann Biggs, who has run a hairdressing business in the town for the past 16 years, fears the move will drive her customers elsewhere.

She added that, with the recent closure of HSBC in the town, banking was limited and the local community had expressed concern.

Ms Biggs spoke out amid forecasts that Lloyds’ intention to axe 3,000 jobs and close 200 branches across the country would impact mainly on local businesses.

“I see this as the beginning of a slippery slope towards them closing and gradually, over time, the opening days will get less,” she said.

“I bank cash daily now, so any closure will mean more bank charges due to increased overdrafts and I will also have to take into account petrol time and parking costs to travel to Cardigan or Carmarthen."

Lloyds Bank say there will be no job losses as a result of reduced hours at Newcastle Emlyn.

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