Frustration is mounting in a small town as residents express their displeasure over the lack of cash availability in their area. The town of Selkirk, located in the Borders, has been facing issues with its only ATM regularly running out of money, especially during peak times like the monthly farmers’ market. This inconvenience has left locals like Aileen Firth, a human resources officer, exasperated as she describes the situation as a common occurrence every weekend.
With the closure of banks and the main post office in Selkirk over the past decade, access to cash has become increasingly challenging for residents. Although most businesses in the town accept card payments, there are still a few establishments that operate on a cash-only basis, causing further distress to patrons. Colin Turnbull, a shopkeeper in Selkirk, runs a cash-only shoe repair and engraving business and has experienced firsthand the impact of the ATM shortage on his customers.
Local councillor Caroline Cochrane has taken action by reaching out to ATM organizations and politicians to address the cash access issue in Selkirk. The recent farmers’ market highlighted the severity of the problem, with stallholders unable to access cash due to the ATM running out of money. Cochrane emphasizes the need for government intervention to ensure residents have sufficient access to cash in the town. In a similar vein, the nearby coastal town of Eyemouth is also facing cash access issues, prompting MP John Lamont to raise the matter at Westminster and contact ATM operators for a resolution. LINK, a cash machine network, has reassured residents that they are working to resolve any operational issues promptly to improve cash access in Selkirk and Eyemouth
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