NatWest ATM to be reinstated after uncertainty over its future

* Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam pictured at the boarded up site of the ATM. Image: Cameron Richards. 

The NatWest ATM on Castle Street in Llangollen is set to be reinstated following concerns raised by residents, businesses and town councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam.

Following a break-in December of last year, the ATM was taken out of service and placed under review by NatWest, with uncertainty around whether it would return. 

As the review period continued without clarity, concerns grew locally that the machine could be permanently removed, further reducing the towns cash infrastructure. 

In response, Cllr Richards-Gwilliam engaged directly with NatWest, making clear representations on behalf of residents and local businesses, and pressing the importance of maintaining free and convenient access to cash in the town which no longer has a bank branch. 

Following this engagement, NatWest has now confirmed that it intends to reinstate the ATM with a new machine as soon as logistically possible.

Delighted by this news, Cllr Richards-Gwilliam said: "This is a very welcome outcome for Llangollen.

"Given the length of time the ATM had been under review, there was real concern locally that it may not return. I therefore felt it was important to raise this directly with NatWest and ensure the strength of feeling locally was clearly understood. 

"I'm pleased that NatWest has listened and recognised how important this service is to our community. Access to cash remains vital for residents, businesses and visitors alike, particularly for the more vulnerable members of our community, and in a busy tourist town with no bank branches it is essential that infrastructure remains in place. This is about ensuring free, resilient and reliable access to cash in our town as a whole, not just the provision of a single machine. 

"I would like to thank everyone who took the time to raise their concerns with me, this outcome shows the strength of feeling locally and the value of making our voices heard.

“If I can be of any support to residents or local businesses on this matter or any other please feel free to email me at cllrrichards-gwilliam@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk or write to me at Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, Llangollen Town Council, Town Hall, Parade Street, Llangollen, LL20 8PW”

Cllr Richards-Gwilliam added that he will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the ATM is brought back into operation as soon as possible.

He also indicated that he will be exploring a formal request for an Access to Cash assessment to ensure that Llangollen has sufficient, resilient and free-to-use cash infrastructure to meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.