“Paying £29 just to access a cashpoint is absurd,” says Pembrokeshire MP as Narberth launches urgent survey
Residents, businesses and visitors are being urged to complete a new community survey following the removal of two cash machines from Narberth High Street.
Until recently, Narberth had three cash machines. Both High Street machines were removed this summer, leaving just one remaining facility tucked away in a corner outside CKs (NISA) supermarket on Spring Gardens.
Campaigners say the loss is having a serious impact on local people - particularly older residents, those who do not use digital banking, visitors and businesses that rely on convenient cash withdrawal and paying-in services.
LINK, the organisation responsible for assessing communities’ access to cash, has concluded that the approximately 7,000 adults living in the Narberth area have adequate access to alternative facilities. These include banks in Haverfordwest, Post Offices in surrounding communities and the cash machine at the Co-op in Kilgetty.
For people relying on public transport reaching these alternatives can be difficult and time-consuming.
Local pensioner Terry Pitts, who is nearly 90, said:
LINK has also identified a cash machine at Folly Farm as an alternative facility. However, campaigners point out that the machine is located inside the family attraction and can only be accessed by paying visitors.
With only a limited period available to appeal LINK’s decision, local campaigners have launched a survey to gather evidence about how the loss of Narberth’s High Street cash machines is affecting the community.
A campaign spokesperson said:
Anyone who lives in the Narberth area, runs a local business, visits the town or regularly uses its services is encouraged to take part.
To complete it, scan the QR code on the accompanying survey poster using a smartphone or tablet.
They said: