Ulster Bank customers left in the dark with lights out at ATM

A Ballymote Councillor has requested Ulster Bank to turn the lights back on following the closure of the town’s branch in September.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Keith Henry has written to Ulster Bank outlining concerns users of the ATM have at the closed building following a number of people complaining to him about it.

Members of the public are concerned due to the poor lighting at the ATM.

“As a user of the ATM myself I could fully understand their concerns and the turning off of the external lights was one of the most notable features of the bank closure” Councillor Henry said.

Cllr Henry who is the Vice Chairperson of Sligo County Council said the lack of lighting poses a security concern.

“Any place where people are regularly withdrawing money in the dark is an ideal location for criminal activity, be that placing skimming devices on the ATM or theft.

“People have made mistakes using the ATM because they simply can’t see what they’re doing.

“Ulster Bank wouldn’t allow this to happen at any of their existing branches so they shouldn’t be so quick to forget about Ballymote.” Cllr Henry added.

“All I’m asking Ulster Bank to do is simply turn the lights back on outside and allow people to see what they’re doing.

“It’s the least they could do for their customers considering the position the branch closure has left them in” he concluded.

Cllr Henry has written to the management of Ulster Bank in Sligo to request the lights to be put on.

Finbarr Filan presenting Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Keith Henry, Ballymote, with the Association of Town & City Management Innovation award to Sligo County Council for the development of coach parking.

Lights at the Ulster Bank ATM in Ballymote have not been working recently, leading to concerns for safety by members of the public using the facility. Pic: Donal Hackett.