A cashpoint machine at the Triangle looks set to be removed.

 

The ATM, outside the newsagent at 11, Manor Farm Road, is one of three in the immediate area.

The possible removal appears to be the result of a dispute between the shop and the cashpoint operator, listed on the LINK cash locator site as Cardtronics.

Shop owner Jaimini said that the machine caused problems for her business. She explained that it often runs out of cash, resulting in customer complaints. It also requires engineer access from within the store which takes up valuable space, and uses electricity, all in exchange for minimal rent.

Cardtronics has been approached for comment. We’ll endeavour to update this piece if they come back in the next few days.

The ATM is the only machine at the Triangle that is available 24 hours a day - and it’s also popular with some as it dishes out fivers. Conveniently located near takeaways and two bars it also serves as a crucial backup for card users should payment systems fail after hours.

There is also a cash machine within the Spar shop, but that is only available during opening hours – currently 8am – 8.30pm daily, and until 9pm Fridays and Saturdays.

Another is situated a short walk away, outside Tesco on Cobden Avenue, which also offers £5 notes, and is theoretically available 24 hours a day.

According to LINK, the scheme that connects cards to cash machines, ATMs represent 93% of all cash withdrawals in the UK, and with the closure of nearby bank branches in recent years that seems hardly surprising.

But while the use of cash is declining, many continue to rely on it for budgeting, supporting small businesses who want to avoid transaction fees, and for ease and convenience. Some ATMs meeting set criteria are protected under a LINK inclusion programme that could see them replaced.

Cash is also important for accessibility and inclusion – for example there are more than a million people in the UK reportedly without bank accounts.