Battle MP, Huw Merriman, welcomed with today’s announcement from cash machine provider Link that a new cashpoint will soon be back on the high street in Battle.

Since the last free 24/7 cashpoint left the town last autumn, local residents have been without access 24/7 access to cash which impacts traders, residents and visitors alike. Today’s announcement from Link follows months of campaigning and lobbying by the local MP, residents, local councillors and consumer group Which? to stop the halt of cashpoints leaving high streets across the country at a rate of 10 per day.

Last year Huw called for a law to put pressure on banks and building societies to provide every high street with communities of more than 5,000 people with a free 24/7 ATM when branches close.

Huw said “This is really great news for Battle and I’m delighted with the response and cooperation we have had from Link and consumer group Which? and our local media in getting a free 24/7 cashpoint back into Battle High Street.

“Link’s commitment to getting a cashpoint back into every high street in the UK with funding from banks and building societies, who are closing many of their branches, is a fantastic response to my call for legislation to make sure this happens. Thanks go to local campaigner Paul Redstone who has worked so hard for the local community on this, local councillors and the Battle Chamber of Commerce for the big part they also played in getting a cashpoint back into the heart of Battle town centre.”

Local campaigner, Paul Redstone, said “I am delighted that the hard work of many of us in the local community has delivered this result. This will give a real boost to our shops, restaurants and local residents.”