Campaign group calls for more rural ATMs

A campaign group is calling for more free–to–use cash machines in rural locations.
File photo dated 04/04/06 of a person withdrawing money from a cashpoint as workers in the UK have seen the biggest fall in real wages than anywhere in the world's top 10 developed economies, according to a new study. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday March 7, 2013. The TUC said that between 2007 and 2011 real wages fell by 4.5% in the UK, higher than in countries such as Italy and Japan, while in Australia and Canada there were increases of 6.9% and 5.4% respectively. Most of the decline was in 2011 - the coalition Government's first full year in office, the research found. The TUC said the Government's austerity programme had made the squeeze on living standards even tighter by cutting tax credits and welfare support for low and middle-income families. See PA story INDUSTRY Wages. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA WireFile photo dated 04/04/06 of a person withdrawing money from a cashpoint as workers in the UK have seen the biggest fall in real wages than anywhere in the world's top 10 developed economies, according to a new study. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday March 7, 2013. The TUC said that between 2007 and 2011 real wages fell by 4.5% in the UK, higher than in countries such as Italy and Japan, while in Australia and Canada there were increases of 6.9% and 5.4% respectively. Most of the decline was in 2011 - the coalition Government's first full year in office, the research found. The TUC said the Government's austerity programme had made the squeeze on living standards even tighter by cutting tax credits and welfare support for low and middle-income families. See PA story INDUSTRY Wages. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire
File photo dated 04/04/06 of a person withdrawing money from a cashpoint as workers in the UK have seen the biggest fall in real wages than anywhere in the world's top 10 developed economies, according to a new study. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday March 7, 2013. The TUC said that between 2007 and 2011 real wages fell by 4.5% in the UK, higher than in countries such as Italy and Japan, while in Australia and Canada there were increases of 6.9% and 5.4% respectively. Most of the decline was in 2011 - the coalition Government's first full year in office, the research found. The TUC said the Government's austerity programme had made the squeeze on living standards even tighter by cutting tax credits and welfare support for low and middle-income families. See PA story INDUSTRY Wages. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

The Fairer Derbyshire Partnership (FDP) has drawn up a list of possible locations for free ATMs, including Ashover Eyam, Baslow, Flagg and Monyash.

A spokesman for the FDP, which was set up in 2000, said: “While there are ATM facilities, shared by main banks and building societies spread across Derbyshire, anecdotal evidence suggests that there are communities and people who cannot easily access these facilities or are charged for access.”

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A spokesman for Derbyshire County Council said: “Increased access to free ATMs would greatly support financial inclusion for residents of rural areas and individuals on low incomes or claiming benefits in urban areas.

“In addition to supporting individuals, the installation of free ATMs would support the local economy.

“A free ATM located in a convenience store, for example, takes up minimal space but supports the local business.

“Typically up to ten per cent of the cash withdrawn would be spent in the store and more customers would visit the store whenever they need cash.”

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In a meeting on Tuesday, members of the Chesterfield Local Area Committee agreed to identify where the free ATMs could go throughout the area.

The committee said increased access to free–to–use cash machines would help residents on low incomes.

Mercury readers have highlighted places they believe would benefit from free ATMs.

Commenting on Facebook, Andrea Rawson said: “Matlock bank on Smedley Street to save hiking down the hill please.”

Sarah Jane Evans suggested: “Darley Dale near chippy?”

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Meanwhile Nicki Underwood suggested Cromford could benefit from a free cash machine and Jo Ryder suggested Tansley.

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