Another cash point withdrawn

A Barclays cash machine in the Downham Market Place has been removed following the closure of the bank branch earlier this year.

Barclays was the third bank to close in Downham in the last two years, and now Lloyds is the only branch in town and still offering an ATM

Previously, the town had HSBC, Nationwide, Norwich and Peterborough, Lloyds and Barclay’s and the services have dwindled down, most being replaced by cash-only small businesses, such as barber shops, nail salons and take-aways.

Locals have not hidden their disdain for the lack of working ATMs in the town.

Jane Parker,63, who often shops at the market said: “I can’t walk that far, and if they keep closing all of the ATMs then I won’t bother shopping at the market at all. I like to buy local produce, but it’s too much of a hassle getting cash sometimes, the Lloyds cash points are often not working.”

Claire Bailey said: “It doesn’t make sense when a lot of places round here are cash only, we need a good supply of cash machines!”

Barclays were contacted for comment and said: “The Post Office is available for banking services.”

However, the Post Office last year had a three-month closure that resulted in many residents unable to collect their pensions, and those with reduced mobility were forced to take taxis to Denver, which had the nearest facility.

Claire said: “The amount of services in this town are getting smaller and smaller, there are less banks and more cafes- which doesn’t really make sense.

“Residents don’t always have the resources to travel to King’s Lynn for banking, and the elderly don’t usually bank online.”

Remaining cash points in Downham are at Tesco, McColls newsagent and outside Lloyds. All the rest have now disappeared.