A Lloyds Bank customer who was told that her terminally ill husband had to attend the Lampeter branch in person in order to set up a joint account has revealed that the bank did a dramatic U-turn within hours of last week’s Cambrian News coming out.

Last week’s edition reported how Sian Edwards, a Lloyds customer for over 20 years, wanted to set up a joint account with husband Cyrus, 65, in preparation for his eventual demise.

But she was shocked to be told that her husband – now confined to a wheelchair – would have to attend the bank in person and negotiate a steep flight of steps in order to sign the necessary documents.

The bank then declined to send a member of staff to the couple’s home address despite it being situated just a short distance away.

“I think Lloyds are showing an appalling discrimination against customers who are disabled and terminally ill,” said Mrs Edwards.

But Mrs Edwards has now confirmed that the bank contacted her last Wednesday in order to make alternative arrangements for her husband and a member of staff subsequently called round to their home on Friday morning to oversee completion of the necessary paperwork.

Giving her reaction, Mrs Edwards said: “It’s a big relief – it’s been a tough few days.”

A Lloyds spokesperson said: “We were very sorry to hear of the difficulties being experienced by Mr Edwards and have been in regular contact with both him and his family.

“Due to his circumstances, we arranged for a member of our local branch team to visit him at home so that he can more easily make these changes to his account.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now