Businessman goes on hunger strike because bank won't lend him money

An Ammanford businessman has gone on hunger strike in protest against his bank which he feels has "tried to crush" him. Alun Richards, 47, said he worked "his guts out" to build up a multi-million pound business at the Tycroes Business Park, near Ammanford. However, he says he has been "ruined" after Lloyds TSB cut off his line of credit mid-way through the development.

He claimed his complaints were not being heard by the bank, particularly at a senior level. Mr Richards said: "Lloyds seems to just fob me off at every turn. Meanwhile, my costs go up. It's like battling a giant, David versus Goliath! I only have one sling-shot left in my armoury and that is to go on hunger strike with my demand for a personal meeting with the Lloyds chief executive Antonio Horta- Osorio.



"I just cannot see any other way of resolving the matter." He added: "I will be going on hunger strike. I will be taking water during the length of my hunger strike and I will be seeking medical advice at every turn. It seems like a dramatic step to take, but I cannot get Lloyds to sit down and take a reasonable approach to my complaint."

A Lloyds TSB spokesman said: "We are concerned and saddened to hear that Mr Richards has decided to pursue his planned hunger strike and I hope that those closest to him are able to persuade him to look after his health first and foremost. We cannot comment on individual circumstances. In cases such as these, we thoroughly review each case. We take pride in being a responsible lender. And we cannot extend finance where we feel it's inappropriate to do so."