MP challenges LINK cash access decisions in North Yorkshire

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 12 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, has challenged LINK's assessment of banking services in Bedale and surrounding villages.

Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, has written to LINK, the organisation responsible for ensuring communities have access to cash, challenging its assessment of banking services in Bedale and Kirby Misperton. The intervention follows branch closures and concerns about rural access to cash.

LINK previously concluded that no additional cash services were needed in Bedale following a community request. However, Mr Hollinrake said the assessment failed to reflect the town's role as a service centre for surrounding villages and farms. Bedale's postmaster handles cash transactions for more than 2,000 regular customers. Mr Hollinrake questioned LINK's assessment that a bank branch could be reached by bus in less than 30 minutes, noting that once return journeys, waiting times and the duration of banking business are considered, a single visit would take well over an hour.

The MP raised concerns about the reliability of Bedale's cash machines, after LINK confirmed that local ATMs had experienced faults. He has also sought assurances about a replacement cash machine in Helmsley, and has welcomed LINK's recommendation for an ATM there following the closure of the Barclays machine in Market Place.

How it is being reported

• MP challenges cash access ruling amid fears rural communities are being left behindAn MP has called for a review of cash and banking services in Bedale amid concerns that residents in the town and surrounding villages are being left with inadequate access to banking facilities.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 12 Oct, 16:15
• MP challenges cash access ruling amid fears rural communities are being left behindAn MP has called for a review of cash and banking services in Bedale amid concerns that residents in the town and surrounding villages are being left with inadequate access to banking facilities.The Press (York) · 12 Oct, 16:15
• MP challenges cash access decisions in North YorkshireAn MP has called for a review of cash and banking services amid concerns in towns and villages in North Yorkshire.The Press (York) · 12 Oct, 15:58
• MP challenges cash access decisions in North YorkshireAn MP has called for a review of cash and banking services amid concerns in towns and villages in North Yorkshire.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 12 Oct, 15:58

In this story: Kevin Hollinrake · LINK · Bedale · Kirby Misperton · Helmsley · Thirsk and Malton

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