Working with the local MP, Gerald Jones, LINK, the UK’s main ATM cash machine network, has installed a new free-to-use ATM in Premier Mount View Stores on Commercial Street.
Prior to the ATM going live, the nearest free to use machine was in nearby Aberbargoed, around 2.5 miles away.
Launched in October 2019, LINK’s community request scheme allows consumers to apply for support for free access to cash. LINK will investigate each case raised and where it is possible, fund the new ATM directly. The new website can be found at https://www.link.co.uk/consumers/request-access-to-cash/.
LINK is determined to protect free access to cash for every high street in the UK. If a high street is threatened with the loss of its last free-to-use ATM, LINK will step in to ensure that an ATM is made available and paid for with funding from all the UK’s main banks and building societies if there is no nearby Post Office counter to serve that community.
To date, there have been 200 requests from across Wales and LINK is expecting to install several machines in the coming months.
LINK’s Head of Financial Inclusion, Nick Quin: “Free cash access remains vital for communities and high streets across the country. This may be the first ATM to go live in Wales, but we’re hopeful that it will be one of many in the coming months.
We want to hear from more communities in Wales that have cash access issues. While the network provides convenient access for most people, we know that communities are best placed to identify any issues. Any enquiries can be made via our new request website.”
Gerald Jones, MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymey: “I am delighted that Dawn Bowden AM and I were able to continue our work with LINK, and secure free access to cash for people in New Tredegar.
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 at improving local access to cash further in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney.”
The ATM is located at Premier Mount View Stores, Commercial Street, NP24 6AA.
