Hawes set to secure permanent free cash machine amid closures
Efforts underway following Barclays' ATM removal plans
Efforts are underway to secure a permanent free-to-use cash machine in a Yorkshire Dales town after an independent assessment concluded that residents must retain access to cash withdrawals.
Barclays announced earlier this month that it planned to remove 132 cash machines across the UK following a review of its ATM network, including machines in Hawes, Leyburn and Catterick Garrison.
However, cash machine network LINK has recommended that a free ATM should be provided in the Upper Wensleydale town following the expected closure of the existing machine at the former Barclays branch.
The decision has been welcomed by local councillor Yvonne Peacock and Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak, who have been working to ensure residents, businesses and visitors are not left without convenient access to cash.
Cllr Peacock has revealed that discussions are taking place about installing a replacement machine at the same location as the existing Barclays ATM.
“LINK have done a cash assessment which proves that Hawes needs a cash machine that’s free to use,” she said.
“I’m in discussions with them about using the former Barclays Bank building for the machine.
“I think it is vital that we have a cash machine in Hawes that is free to use.”
The assessment found that the nearest alternative free-to-use cash machine was at Kirkby Stephen Post Office, 13.2 miles away.
The report also highlighted the town’s importance as a rural service centre, identifying more than 2,500 adults living in the wider local area and 39 shops on the high street.
The nearest banking hub offering services to personal and business customers was identified as being in Richmond, almost 20 miles away.
LINK concluded that Hawes should have a permanent ATM providing free withdrawals for personal current account holders, as well as a cash withdrawal service for businesses.
The machine must also offer a reasonable selection of banknotes.
The organisation said the replacement service should normally be provided within three months of its assessment and be operational before the existing facility closes.
Meanwhile, Mr Sunak has received assurances from Barclays that its existing ATM will remain operational until alternative arrangements are in place.
A spokesman for the MP’s office said: “Rishi is pleased Barclays have agreed to keep the existing ATM operational until alternative arrangements are made.
“He has also welcomed the result of the LINK cash access review, which says very clearly an ATM should be retained in the town given the distance to alternative sources of cash for residents, visitors and businesses.”
Although Hawes has a Post Office, the review concluded that a dedicated free-to-use ATM was still needed.
The assessment also considered the potential impact on vulnerable residents and businesses, including the difficulties associated with travelling to alternative cash facilities.
LINK said the replacement service would be funded through the cash machine network on behalf of its members.
While the review establishes the need for a permanent ATM, the location of the replacement has yet to be confirmed.
Leyburn and Catterick Garrison are also set to lose their Barclays cash machines, although both towns already have alternative free-to-use ATMs.