Free ATMs pledge could save post offices
Post offices struggling for survival were given a welcome boost today after a high street bank pledged that they would install cash machines at 100 sites.
The Royal Bank of Scotland said that 100 of the 300 free-to-use cash machines it wants to install in the UK’s poorest communities will go in post offices.
It came just days after Tony Blair was told of the crisis facing the post office network with closures expected across the country. National Federation of SubPostmasters general secretary Colin Baker welcomed the move by RBS yesterday.
“We are delighted to be able to help potentially several hundred members of the National Federation of SubPostmasters to benefit from the installation of a free, non-fee charging cash machine,” he said.
“We know that customers in turn appreciate easy and no charge access to their cash.
“The Federation is committed to maintaining a strong and thriving network on behalf of our members and this initiative will help achieve that commitment.”
The possible closure of post offices has become a burning issue in both rural communities and inner cities where customers struggle to access services.
Post offices have lost much needed income as they are stripped of key services such as television licences and car tax which are now available online.
Mr Baker said some postmasters were even forced to use their savings to keep post offices open.
The crisis coincides with calls for more free-to-use cash machines in deprived areas where people with limited means struggle to access much-needed funds.
