Loss of ATMs hitting business
A “void” of cash machines in Prestwick town centre could leave the public short changed.
That’s according to South Ayrshire’s former Provost, who reckons banks have bailed.
Gordon McKenzie, a resident of the town, says the quick hit of three ATM closures is “over the score”.
And he’s calling on more to be done for hard-working businesses trying to serve their punters.
Gordon said: “Since three major banking institutions (Clydesdale, RBS and Halifax Bank of Scotland) moved from the Cross and removed their cash machines, a real void has been left.
“It affects the elderly and infirm, local businesses and the travelling public arriving by train, bus and taxi to our busy town.
“The Post Office has taken up some of the slack but have limited hours.
“When any events like Ayr Races, Prestfest, bank holidays or even just a Saturday, the two closest machines to the Cross regularly run out of cash.
“It causes public footfall to move towards the bottom end of the town with businesses at the top losing out to their competitors near the working cash machines.
“The three major bank cash machines must have provided millions of additional pounds to the local economy which is now partially being lost.
“What I’m looking for is one of the major banks to install a free-to-use cash machine at the Cross.
“The Post Office would be ideal, as would one of the shops where the banks were located.”
Gordon, a former Labour councillor, issued his warning after it was revealed around 300 ATMs are closing in the UK each month.