4 News HSBC branches to close Closing: Ammanford branch of HSBC


she said: “The same bank that was rescued by British taxpayers is now letting its loyal customers down. This decision goes to demonstrate the company's small regard for the businesses and customers it is meant to serve. “I will be making formal


representations on this matter and seeking assurances that alternative provisions will be put in place to assist customers ahead of branch closures.” Francesca McDonagh, Head


RESIDENTS in rural parts of


the county are set to be affected by ‘changes in the way people bank’ as another multi-national bank announced plans to close 62 branches across the country. The HSBC branch in Ammanford,


as well as branches in Fishguard and Narberth in Pembrokeshire, are among those earmarked for closure. This follows on from Natwest,


Barclays and Lloyds announcing branch closures in recent years. The decision was criticised by


Simon Thomas AM, who described the closures as ‘disappointing’ and ‘unacceptable’. “Plaid Cymru in Westminster is


calling for an improvement in the law to ensure high street banks consult effectively with the local community


over closures,” he added. “Theresa May’s government must act to ensure everyone has access to banking. Though they are private companies making commercial decisions, in effect access to banking is essential for modern life and participating in democracy. “We cannot have a gap in the


banking services available to rural and urban Wales. Plaid Cymru would also like to see the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay to do more to promote alternatives to banks like credit unions." Labour AM Eluned Morgan


has previously spoken out against the impact these decisions have on smaller rural communities. When Lloyds announced that it was closing 10 branches across Wales last year,


of Retail Banking and Wealth Management for UK and Europe, said: “The way our customers bank with us is changing. More customers are using mobile and internet banking than ever before, innovation such as Touch and Voice ID has proved extremely popular, and fewer people are using branches. More than 90% of our interactions with customers are now through our digital channels – an increase from 80% last year. “The decision to close these


branches ensures a more sustainable branch network for the future as we continue to invest in our digital platforms and our people. “Our priority now is to work with


our colleagues, our customers and the communities impacted by today’s announcement. We are contacting customers to explain the decision and help them with alternative ways to bank with us. We will offer customers individual sessions to help explain their options or provide help in setting up telephone, mobile or internet banking.”


Llanybydder factory workers attacked colleagues TWO MEN working at the


Dunbia meat factory in Llanybydder attacked three colleagues in the centre of the village after a row about a necklace. Christian Betke, of Llanybydder,


punched, headbutted and kicked Akos Glock and then did the same to Csongor Palicsak when he intervened. Kamil Szpryngiel, of Highmead


Terrace, Highmead, sided with Betke and joined in the attacks. Then Betke, aged 31, and 25-year-


old Szpryngiel, beat up Ioan Asztalos when he tried to protect Mr Palicsak. Both men admitted two offences


of assault causing actual bodily harm and one of assault by beating. Frank Phillips, prosecuting, told


Swansea Crown Court how Mr Glock was taken to Glangwili Hospital and later transferred to Morriston Hospital, Swansea, where he was treated for facial injuries so serious that his scars would be permanent. Mr Phillips said the violence


followed a drinking session at a local pub, where Betke had shown Mr Glock a necklace. The necklace went missing, said


Mr Phillips, and when Betke later caught up with him he produced it from his pocket but could not explain how it had got there. “Betke considered that he had


stolen it and punched him in the face. It escalated from there,” he added. Mr Phillips said all the men


Clean ‘goataway’: The escapees


HAVE you lost your goats? Dyfed-Powys Police are appealing for the owners of two brown goats found on the A48 near Cross Hands to come forward. Police were called by a concerned


member of the public at around 9.35am on Tuesday morning (Jan 24), reporting that two brown goats were dangerously close to the road.


The force said on Twitter: “Anyone


missing two brown goats? If so, they have been causing mayhem on the A48 at Cross Hands. Please contact us to arrange collection.” The goats are currently being


looked after at Cwmcerrig Farm. Anyone with information that can help identify the owners is asked to call police on 101.


Teen took car without permission A PENYGROES teen who took


knew each other from work and there had not been any further incidents although, because of something that had happened at the factory, Betke had been transferred to another site. Betke was jailed for 21 months


and Szpryngiel for 16 months, suspended for 18 months, and both were ordered to pay £800 in prosecution costs and a £140 court surcharge. In addition, Betke was ordered to


pay Mr Glock £700 in compensation and £150 to Mr Palicsak. Szpryngiel was told to pay £300 and £100. Betke will also carry out 220


hours of unpaid work for the community and Szpryngiel 180 hours.


Bomb materials owner remanded into custody A MAN who is accused of


having bomb-making manuals and instructions on carrying out knife attacks has appeared in court this week. 26-year-old Lee Edwards


Griffiths, from Swansea, had copies of an Islamic State (ISIS) magazine


and the Anarchist Cookbook. Griffiths has been charged


with five counts of possessing information which may be useful to someone who commits or prepares acts of terrorism. On Thursday (Jan 26), he was remanded into custody by


Westminster Magistrates. It is also alleged he had videos


which included prisoners being blown up with homemade explosive devices and being stabbed to death. Griffiths will appear at the Old Bailey for trial on February 6.


a car without permission while over the drink-drive limit appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jan 26). Tomas Challinor, 18, of Gate


Road, pleaded guilty to charges of driving a vehicle which had been taken without the owner’s consent, driving a vehicle without a licence, driving a vehicle without third party insurance and driving under the influence of alcohol.


Sharon Anderson, prosecutor, told


the court that at 1am on New Year’s Day, officers had been walking around the station in Cross Hands when they noticed a car driving from the library car park. Officers followed him as he headed towards Cross Hands roundabout before the car returned to the library car park. When the car pulled up, an officer


went to the driver’s seat and saw Challinor, who tried jumping across into the passenger seat. There was a noticeable smell of alcohol. The owner of the vehicle said that


no permission was given to drive the car, and they had not known that the car had gone. There had a party taking place at the time. Challinor confirmed that he


attended the party and admitted that he had been stupid. He also said that he


had mixed his drinks, before someone asked him if he wanted to go for a drive. The court heard that his licence had been revoked. It was confirmed that the passenger


in the car ran off when the police attended, and that Challinor had assumed that the car belonged to the passenger. His solicitor, Andrew Isaac, said


that his client didn’t know why he did it. “He thoroughly regrets this incident,” he added, telling the court that Challinor had subsequently spoken with the owner of the car. A report read out by the probation


service said that Challinor accepted that he was guilty and that he was remorseful about the incident, which was ‘an out of character offence'. They also said that he has learned from this experience and apologised for his behaviour. His solicitor commended what was said. Magistrates accepted his early


guilty plea for the first and fourth charge, which were driving a vehicle without consent and driving a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol, and gave him a community sentence for 12 months in which he must complete 120 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 20 months, and must pay £85 prosecution costs, along with an £85 surcharge.


THE HERALD FRIDAY JANUARY 27 2017


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Escaped goats caused A48 ‘mayhem’


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