MP fights to bring 24-hour cashpoint to bankless town

Last month Lloyds Banking Group closed its Bungay branch - the town’s fifth bank closure in four years.

The decision could be potentially devastating for the town as it is now left without a single bank branch or access to a 24-hour cashpoint.

Last week Waveney MP Peter Aldous called and chaired a meeting for business owners and members of Bungay Town Council, along with councillors from Waveney District and Suffolk County, to gage the effect of the closure on the town.

Mr Aldous said: “It is quite clear there has been an impact on the town.

“This is virtually the first time it has been without a bank in around 200 years.”

The MP explained the lack of a 24-hour cashpoint was “disadvantageous” to traders and shoppers alike.

He said: “It really impacts on those people who rely on cash. When the town hosts a significant event or street fair people want to spend cash.

“If there is no immediate cashpoint nearby this is a problem.”

Mr Aldous added: “There are certain practical measures that need to be taken and a 24-hour cashpoint in the town is the number one priority.

“And I would hope we can do this within six months.

“I will be making contact with cashpoint providers to convince them to agree that if we can find a site they will be happy to put a cashpoint there.”

Since the closure residents and traders have been forced to use the cashpoint in the town’s post office, but that is only accessible during shop hours.

Didy Ward, chairman of Bungay Events and Business Association (BEBA), said: “There has been more pressure put on the post office. In my opinion it’s more than they can cope with at the moment.

“Our most pressing need is for a 24-hour cashpoint.

“Everyone has ideas on where the cashpoint might go but we are running into problems as many of the buildings in the town are listed.”

Mrs Ward also revealed the BEBA would be staging a survey in the coming months to fully reveal the closure’s effect on trade.