MP challenges ruling on rural cash access in Bedale

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

An MP has challenged LINK's assessment that Bedale has adequate banking services.

Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, has written to LINK, the organisation responsible for ensuring communities have access to cash, challenging its findings for Bedale and Kirby Misperton. The intervention follows assessments carried out by LINK after branch closures and concerns about access to cash in rural communities.

LINK had previously concluded that no additional cash services were needed in Bedale following a community request. However, Mr Hollinrake argues the assessment failed to adequately reflect the town's role as a service centre for surrounding villages and farms. Bedale's postmaster, cited in the MP's letter, says the Post Office 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. He said: 'In practice, once the return journey, the wait for a bus and the time needed to do their banking are taken into account, a single visit can easily take well over an hour.' Many residents must first travel into Bedale from surrounding villages before beginning their onward journey.

The MP also raised concerns about the reliability of local cash machines, following confirmation from LINK that ATMs in the area had experienced faults. He has separately welcomed LINK's recommendation for a replacement ATM in Helmsley 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.Darlington & Stockton Times · 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 Northern Echo · 12 Oct, 16:15

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

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