Cash machine in Bedlinog made free to use as MP and AM continue successful joint campaign to secure more free ATMs in Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney

Gerald and Dawn with Balakumaran Kandy, manager of Lifestyle Express in Bedlinog - now with a free-to-use machine

Gerald Jones MP and Dawn Bowden AM work with cash machine operator LINK to secure more free-to-use ATMs in Merthyr Tydfil Borough
Cash machine in Premier Stores in Bedlinog made free to use for residents; previously a charge of £1.75 per transaction
Gerald Jones and Dawn Bowden working with LINK to look to install more free machines in locations across Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency
Closest free ATM to Bedlinog was over 3 miles away in Treharris
Gerald and Dawn continuing joint campaign with LINK to push for more free cash machines; LINK commits to provide subsidies and improve free cash access

Gerald Jones MP and Dawn Bowden AM have succeeded in their campaign to secure more free access to cash in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, with LINK, the operator of the UK’s cash machine network, making the machine in Lifestyle Express Stores in Bedlinog free to use, after previously charging £1.75 per transaction.

Over the past year Gerald Jones MP and Dawn Bowden AM have been campaigning for more free-to-use cash machines in the local area, holding various meetings with LINK to continue their push for more free access to cash in the area, resulting in the ATM in Fochriw Village Store being made free to use in August 2019, and the ATM in Premier Stores New Tredegar being made free to use in January 2020.

Before the ATM in Bedlinog was made free, the nearest free machine for people to use was over 3 miles away in Treharris, with many residents in the area left with either making difficult journeys to use free ATMs, or paying charges of almost £2.00 to withdraw their cash.

Many people in Merthyr Tydfil and the Upper Rhymney Valley still rely on cash to pay for everyday expenses, and Gerald and Dawn have secured a commitment from Link to provide subsidies for free machines in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, so people can access their cash easily and without a charge.

Gerald and Dawn are continuing to work with Link to explore options for free ATMs, so that residents across the area can withdraw money without having to make long and difficult journeys or paying a charge.

Gerald Jones MP and Dawn Bowden AM said:

“We are delighted that we were able to continue our work with LINK, and secure free access to cash for local residents in Bedlinog.

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

“Dawn and I are looking forward to continuing to work with LINK to look to secure more free-to-use machines across Merthyr Tydfil and the Upper Rhymney Valley.”