ATM joy for OAPs and the vulnerable
Elderly and vulnerable people in Glenburn now have better access to cash after an ATM in the neighbourhood stopped charging for withdrawals.
The cash machine at the Spar shop in Braehead Road now allows people to access their cash and view their account balance for free.
The move comes after Councillor Stephen Burns raised concerns about older people being at increased risk of catching coronavirus as they were being forced to board buses to find a free cash machine.
The councillor for Paisley Southwest, who last year launched a campaign for better access to cash, has welcomed the change.
He told the Express: “I have been concerned about free access to cash machines across Renfrewshire including this one that used to charge people to make withdrawals.
“This change will make a big difference to local people and it will encourage them shop locally, especially with the increased Covid-19 risk, rather than go further to access their cash without paying a fee.
“I hope to see more ATM providers following this example.”
He added: “I would also urge the banks not to use data from throughout the Covid crisis - when people have been asked to pay by card rather than cash wherever possible - to justify the removal of services and free cash machines from the area.”
Councillor Burns campaigned last year for improved access to cash across the wider Paisley area in partnership with Paisley Northwest Councillor Kenny MacLaren.
They complied and sent a list of locations in need of free access to cash to Link, the company that oversees the ATM network in Scotland.
The list includes locations in Ferguslie, Glenburn and Foxbar.
It was given to Link bosses during a conference call between the two parties at the end of last year when bosses agreed to review the dossier of evidence the pair had compiled.
The Express revealed in December how more than half of the 60 cash machines located closest to the town centre were charging between 95p and £2 for withdrawals.
This change will make a big difference to local people and will encourage them to shop locally Stephen Burns