Plans for a 24-hour cashpoint at a Machynlleth newsagents could be scuppered by conservation regulations, it has been warned.

That has prompted a prominent local businessman to urge the town council to keep up the pressure to ensure that the town has an accessible cashpoint following the closure of Barclays, the last bank to have a dedicated branch in the town.

Local butcher Wil Lloyd Williams said the possibility that Powys Council’s planning department could rule against plans for a cashpoint at the Mr News shop would be a blow to the town.

In a letter discussed at the town council’s February meeting, Mr Williams said that if the plan was rejected, it would affect business in the town and could leave some residents and visitors to Machynlleth unable to access their cash.

He was backed by councillors, who have said it is vitally important that the town has accessible cashpoints.

Cllr Michael Williams said with the town hosting several successful events and festivals including the Machynlleth Comedy Festival and Dyfi Enduro which help to attract large numbers of visitors, any failure to provide accessible cashpoints could affect the success of events.

He said: “It’s ridiculous if we’re going to consider conservation ahead of people being able to access cash. Machynlleth certainly does need a cashpoint.”

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