Branches of Lloyds Bank in Fishguard, Newport and Milford Haven will be closing their doors to the public next spring, customers learnt today (Thursday).

In a letter from the bank, savers have been told that Lloyds has been reviewing how customers use their banks in the Pembrokeshire area.

As a result the review The Fishguard branch will close on April 24 next year with Milford Haven closing just two days later on April 26.

The letter to customers of all three branches states that they will still be able to use the Haverfordwest branches and includes its address and opening hours. Customers’ existing open credit facilities will be automatically transferred to this branch unless otherwise requested.

The Pembrokeshire branches are among 49 which will be axed nationally, leading to a total job loss of 655 positions.

The reductions are part of a three-year cost-cutting programme being implemented by the chief executive, António Horta-Osório, to cut 12,000 jobs and close 400 branches by the end of 2017.

The company has said it would put eight mobile branches on the road between March and April next year. However it is unclear if Pembrokeshire has been earmarked for this service.

Fishguard resident and business owner, Frances Bryant, who was Plaid Cymru’s candidate in the last Assembly elections posted the news on Facebook: “This is very bad news for Fishguard. Once Lloyds goes it's very likely that the other banks will follow,” she said.

“As a business it is extremely inconvenient regarding paying in cheques (yes some customers still use them) and cash.

“The suggestion that Haverfordwest, Cardigan and St.Davids would be my nearest branches on the letter reverse is not very helpful.

“Fishguard needs to retain its banks, and Lloyds has a prominent site in the town. It’s such a shame.”