The campaign for a Free-to-Use ATM for Rochester High Street is progressing well. On Monday 11th November, the Conservative Parliamentary candidate, Kelly Tolhurst, and Rochester West Councillor Stuart Tranter, attended a visit along Rochester High Street with representatives from the LINK – who administer free ATMs in the UK.
Kelly and Cllr Tranter were also joined by Lord Hunt, a board member of LINK. The visit was a chance to assess where a new free-to-use ATM could go on Rochester High Street, as there are currently no free ATMs left on the High Street following the closure of both Natwest and Lloyd’s Bank.
Kelly said: “Since the closures of the banks, access to Free cash withdrawals has been limited, with access to Free cash withdrawals only being available at the Post Office and via the cash machine in the Tourist information centre, it was great to look at potential sites for a Free-to use ATM on the High Street, and to meet with businesses and customers to hear their views about access to cash"
“I am pleased LINK and Lord David Hunt have recognised that there is a need for Rochester, and took the time to visit us an listen to our plea. I strongly campaigned along with Cllr Tranter about the closure of the banks branches, a the High Street has lost a valuable facility and this has had a great impact on the small businesses and the artisan markets, many of whom do not accept card, who rely on Rochester’s tourists to pay in cash to buy products.”
“We are now one step closer to getting a new free-to-use ATM on our historic High Street which will be of huge benefit to local businesses and anyone who lives, works or visits Rochester.”
