Call for free ATM in town losing last bank machine

Calls are growing for a free ATM in a town set to lose its last bank machine.

Barclays’ branch in Hawes shut in 2019, although a free-to-use cash machine stayed in place.

Now, efforts are under way to secure a permanent free-to-use ATM in the Yorkshire Dales town after an independent review said residents must be able to withdraw physical cash.

Earlier this month, Barclays said it intended to remove 132 machines across the UK after reviewing its ATM network, including the one at the former Barclays building in Hawes.

But cash machine network LINK advised that a free ATM should be provided, as the move would leave the town without one.

Councillor Yvonne Peacock MBE said it would be "dreadful, absolutely dreadful" if there was no free cash machine.

"We don't have always access to cards to be able to use in certain shops and certain areas, plus the fact it's costing the businesses money to have them," the Conservative added.

"So the visitors that come to the area, they desperately need them to be able to have access to cash.

"It is 13 miles (21km) to Kirby Stephen, and 27 (43km) to Richmond, so just where are we going to be able to get cash from?"

North Yorkshire councillor Yvonne Peacock said it was important for local businesses that people can easily withdraw cash

In its report, LINK said the replacement service should usually be in place within three months of its assessment and operating before the existing facility closed.

Meanwhile, the office of Richmond and Northallerton MP and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it had been given assurances by Barclays that the current ATM would stay open until alternative arrangements were ready.

LINK said the replacement service, whose location has not been confirmed, would be funded through the cash machine network on behalf of its members.

Leyburn and Catterick Garrison are also due to lose their Barclays cash machines, although both towns already have alternative free-to-use ATMs.