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A NORTH Yorkshire town is to maintain its access to a cash machine - however concerns have been raised over its location.
Following the recent announcement that Barclays are closing over 100 ATMs across the UK, it was confirmed that one of those would be the one at Helmsley’s Market Place.
As a result, LINK, which connects a network of ATMs to major banks around the country, carried out a Cash Access Assessment for Helmsley.
In an email to Helmsley’s North Yorkshire Councillor, George Jabbour, a representative from LINK wrote: “I am pleased to confirm that we have made a recommendation for a withdrawal ATM.”
In a separate email to Councillor Jabbour, Barclays stated: “Our ATM will remain in place until the new services are rolled out, ensuring continuity in cash access for your constituents.”
Cllr Jabbour said: “As soon as it was announced that Barclays was going to stop operating the cash machine in Helmsley, I started liaising with Barclays, LINK and Kevin Hollinrake MP.
“I’m pleased that it was concluded that Helmsley should have permanent provision of a withdrawal ATM that’s free to use for holders of personal current accounts, and that the cash machine of Barclays will be maintained until a long-term solution is in place.
“However, I am concerned that we have not yet received confirmation where the new facility will be, whether it will stay at the same location on the Market Place, and whether it will provide a 24-hour cash access, seven days a week, at the heart of Helmsley.
“It took an enormous amount of time, effort and investment a couple of years ago to secure the suitability of the current location of the ATM in Helmsley and ensure that it would be fit for the long term. This involved several planning applications and extensive work at the site of the current cash machine.”
Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton said: “When Barclays Bank closed I was very clear that the current ATM should be maintained until a suitable alternative was implemented. I am pleased that this continues to be the position and that Helmsley will retain access to cash while work progresses on a replacement ATM.
“Access to cash and banking services remains hugely important to communities across the constituency, and I will continue to work with LINK, Barclays and the local community to ensure reliable and accessible provision for Helmsley.”