News that 20 banks across Wales are to be closed in 2018 has sparked criticism from the Farmers’ Union of Wales, who describe the closures as devastating news for rural businesses.

The NatWest bank branches facing closure are Porthcawl, Whitchurch in Cardiff, Llandaff in Cardiff, Pembroke, Treforest Estate, Ammanford, University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, Cardigan, Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, Dolgellau, Chepstow, Lampeter, Maesteg, Pencoed, Llandeilo, Rumney in Cardiff, Milford Haven, Talbot Green, Mumbles in Swansea and Narberth.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “The closure of those 20 banks will have a detrimental effect on the towns, as they serve not only villages but many of the neighbourhoods in surrounding areas, as well as providing employment to local people.

“These banks are 70% owned by the UK taxpayer, so we have to ask why are there no conditions to the bailout that guarantees access to such services. It is clear that Governments must do more for rural Wales.”

In addition the FUW is concerned that internet banking is still not option in all rural areas across Wales as many people will not have an appropriate internet connection- if they have a connection at all, and others may be worried about banking online for cyber security reasons.

The Glamorgan branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales held a successful President’s Charity Quiz night, raising vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and the Farming Community Network (FCN).

The event was held on Friday, November 24 at Heol Y Cyw Rugby Club and raised £415.

Former FUW Vice-President Lorraine Howells was the Quizmaster on the night, which was a well-attended and enjoyable evening.

FUW Glamorgan CEO Rachel Saunders said: “People were very generous with their time and donations so we had a successful raffle as well and I would like to thank everyone who attended, donated money or a raffle prize. The winning quiz team kindly donated their prize money in the name of Philip Locke, for which we are very grateful.”

Lorraine Howells added: “It remains a priority for us to support these 2 charities and I’m pleased that we have kick-started our fundraising efforts in the county. The FCN supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times and we are grateful to them for what they do.

“We also know that dementia is a growing health problem - 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia, and there are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. With an anticipated increase in the number of cases of 156 per cent between now and 2051, it equates to two million people, and the burden will fall on rural areas where there are significantly higher proportions of elderly people. So I would like to thank everyone who gave their time and helped in making this evening a success.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging shoppers to keep their Christmas shopping local to show support for rural and local businesses.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “As we speed towards Christmas, I would like to urge you to think about your rural businesses and see if you can buy local, either for the upcoming Christmas dinner or even gifts for family and friends.

“Speak to your local butcher about meat for the Christmas period and see what your local farm shop has to offer - I promise you will find many of the ingredients you need for your Christmas dinner right on your doorstep.

“There are also plenty of small shops around that offer Welsh craft and locally designed gifts and of course the choice for local food gifts is aplenty. It really is worth having a look. These are small decisions we can make that will have a big impact on our rural economy.

“A pound spent locally will go much further than a pound spent in a chain store and it keeps our rural economies going. By supporting our local businesses we don’t help a CEO buy a third holiday home but we help a local mum and dad put food on the table, a family pay their mortgage, a little girl get those dance lessons and a little boy get his favourite team shirt.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed the Welsh Government’s launch of an interactive Predictive Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Map.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed today’s (Monday, November 27) announcement by Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths that over 91% of Basic Payments will be made on the first day of the payment window (Friday,December 1), meaning that over £201 million will be paid into the bank accounts of 14,111 Welsh farm businesses.

The Montgomeryshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales held a successful first ever county Farming Conference, which discussed the future of the industry in light of Brexit.

The well attended event was held at the Elephant & Castle Hotel, Newtown, on Thursday 16 November and guest speakers on the night were Steve Hughson Chief Executive of Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Helen Davies NSA Cymru, Adam White Barclays National Performance Manager – Agriculture and Kevin Roberts Chair of Hybu Cig Cymru.

‘Ffermio’ presenter Alun (Elidyr) Edwards, who chaired the evening, opened the conference saying: “I would like to congratulate the CEO Emyr Wyn Davies for organising this event and also thank you all for being here and supporting the evening.