LINK Respond to David Chadwick's Request for Cash Review in Presteigne

LINK, the Coordination Body that carries out assessments when there is a change to the level of cash access in a community and recommends new services when required, has identified Presteigne as a community where access to cash is likely to be at insufficient levels. 

The assessment was carried out as a result of a request by the Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe David Chadwick. Mr Chadwick submitted the request following the announcement from Lloyds Bank that they will be closing their Presteigne Branch early next year. 

LINK have stated they agree with Mr Chadwick that there is a gap in cash access services available in the local area that cause a significant impact for the community.

LINK have said that at a minimum a replacement ATM for the community is required and will be meeting with David Chadwick MP in the coming days to discuss what options are available for the community. 

Presteigne was one of several towns and villages David Chadwick MP submitted for a review, with others including Ystradgynlais, Brecon and Builth Wells. 

Commenting on the news, David Chadwick MP said:

"I am delighted that LINK have carried out an assessment into banking services in Presteigne as a result of my request. 

"Their assessment agrees that acess to cash in Presteigne will be inadequate as a result of Lloyds closing its branch.

"I look forward to meeting with LINK in the coming days to assess what options are available for the community, but I am reassured the starting point for conversations seems to indicate the bare minimum that would be expected is a new ATM machine for the town. 

"This is the first step in finding a solution for bank closures across our towns and villages. 

"I will continue to liase with LINK on assessments for other communities I have requested across the consituency including Ystradgynlais and Builth Wells. 

"I will also continue to press the UK Governmemt to assist in the rolling out of banking hubs across rural communities in Mid Wales."

*ENDS*