Gerald Jones, MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, has met with Nick Quin, head of financial inclusion at LINK, the operator of the UK’s cash machines network, continuing a joint campaign with Dawn Bowden AM to secure more free-to-use cash machines in Merthyr Tydfil and the Upper Rhymney Valley.

In August this year, after campaigning and holding meetings with LINK in Westminster to push for more free access to cash, the cash machine at Fochriw Village Store was made free to use, and Gerald and Dawn are continuing to work with LINK to secure more free ATMs across the constituency.

When Lloyds Bank’s Rhymney branch closed earlier this year, many residents were left with few free ATMs available, facing a charge of up to £2.00 just to withdraw cash.

Commenting, Gerald said:

“Many people in our area still rely on cash for everyday expenses, and shouldn’t have to pay when they want to withdraw some, or travel miles to find a machine that’s free to use.

 

“In the meeting this week, I pushed for LINK to look at providing free cash machines for some of our communities which currently have no free access to cash whatsoever, and face journeys of a number of miles to withdraw cash, putting forward a number of our more isolated communities.”

In the meeting, LINK also shared details of their new Delivery Fund, which allows people to request a free ATM in their area through their local MP or council if it’s needed. If you’re a constituent and you feel you’re in need of better free access to cash, please contact Gerald or Dawn directly to take this forward with LINK, and push for a free-to-use machine to be installed.