Penny-foolish banks

SIR – I took several bags of coins, gathered up over two or three years, into my local bank to pay into my account. I knew that they would not change coins for notes (Letters, October 26).

The bags were weighed and a bag of 1p coins was deemed to be a penny short. I offered the cashier a 2p piece and asked for two pennies, intending to put one in the 99p bag. She refused.

A lady standing behind me gave me a penny and I handed it to the cashier, who was furious but managed to remain silent. David Watson

Bedford

SIR – The probable reason for banks’ refusal to change notes for notes is money laundering – but in that case you would think they would have a starting point of a reasonable amount. Margaret Bentley

Leeds, West Yorkshire

SIR – This sort of nonsense is not confined to the banking industry.

A few weeks ago I was in need of a particular size of drill bit. A quick check online confirmed that my local branch of Screwfix had the size and type I required.

When I arrived I was told that there had been a computer problem for some hours. The assistant confirmed that they had several of the desired drill bits in stock but was adamant that he could not sell me anything, even when handed the exact amount in cash.

Progress? Christopher Lucy

Margate, Kent