CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed news that a new cash point is to be installed in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Plaid Cymru MP, Liz Saville Roberts has welcomed news that plans are afoot to install an additional 24-hour external ATM outside the town’s Co-operative supermarket.

Mrs Saville Roberts, along with Blaenau Ffestiniog Councillors Mandy Williams-Davies and Annwen Daniels and the Cambrian News, led the fight to improve cash withdrawal facilities in Blaenau Ffestiniog following HSBC’s decision to close the last bank on the high street in September, despite fierce opposition by the local community.

On numerous occasions, residents and visitors alike have been left with no working cash points at all, leaving them facing a 25-mile round trip to Porthmadog to access their own money.

Mrs Saville Roberts said: “I’m pleased plans are in progress which means the people of Blaenau will be able to benefit from an additional 24-hour external ATM, something we’ve been lobbying hard for since HSBC closed its doors to the public in September, leaving the town with no bank.

“Local people were left high and dry when HSBC took the decision to close their branch.

“The situation was further compounded when problems arose withdrawing cash from the town’s three ATMs, only one of which was accessible 24-hours a day.

“In a community with a population of nearly five thousand coupled with a burgeoning tourism industry, it’s absolutely vital that people are able to withdraw cash at their convenience.

“So many rural towns are suffering similar problems, where accessing cash is fast becoming a luxury.”

Cllr Mandy Williams-Davies and Cllr Annwen Daniels said: “We welcome the fact that a solution looks very likely at last and that a new external ATM will be installed."

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News