Fears for rural cash machines

Businesses in Fife’s rural communities could be jeopardised if free-to-use cash machines are removed, an MSP has claimed.

Dean Lockhart, representative for Mid Scotland and Fife, said plans by ATM operator LINK could see cashpoints removed from some villages.

He has pledged his support to a national campaign backed by consumer organisation Which? and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) aimed at protecting cash machines.

Claiming isolated communities were particularly vulnerable due to a dependency on cash and a lack of card payment terminals, Mr Lockhart said it was important rural parts of Fife were not relegated to the status of economic outposts.

“At a time when politicians from across the parties are campaigning to protect bank branches, the idea that freeto-use cashpoints could be threatened beggars belief,” he said.

“Demand for cash remains high, especially in rural communities, and these facilities often act as a crucial replacement for the lack of banking services.

“These moves will undoubtedly also hit small businesses, particularly those in rural areas that are already vulnerable to financial exclusion.

“Access to cash is absolutely vital to local growth in rural and deprived communities.”