Clwyd MS Darren Millar has welcomed the reinstatement of the NatWest ATM on Castle Street in Llangollen following several months of engagement with NatWest over the future of the machine by Llangollen Town Mayor Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam.
After the ATM was taken out of service following a break-in last November, it remained boarded up for an extended period while NatWest reviewed its future, raising understandable concerns among residents and businesses that it may not return.
Councillor Richards-Gwilliam raised these concerns directly with NatWest, highlighting the importance of maintaining free and convenient access to cash in the town with no bank branches. Following sustained engagement, NatWest confirmed that it intended to reinstate the ATM as soon as logistically possible.
The ATM has now returned to full working service.
Commenting Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam said:
“I’m very pleased to see the NatWest ATM back in operation. This is a very welcome outcome for Llangollen as access to free, convenient, and reliable cash facilities is paramount to our residents, local businesses and the many people who visit our town.
"I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to get in touch with me and share their concerns, and to NatWest for recognising the importance of maintaining this service for our community.
"Whilst I am pleased to see this important facility restored, this is not the end of the conversation around access to cash in Llangollen. Following this campaign, I am grateful that one of our local Senedd Members, Darren Millar, has approached me to offer his full support as we take the next steps to strengthen cash provision across the town.”
Commenting Darren Millar MS said:
"I'm delighted to see the Natwest ATM reinstated in Llangollen, as I am sure residents, businesses and visitors are too, and I applaud Damon for all his efforts to secure this outcome.
"Access to cash remains vital for many people, so this is a positive step forward and demonstrates what can be achieved when the community comes together to make its voice heard. However, it does not resolve the wider issue of access to banking services in the town.
"Following LINK's initial assessment, which concluded that no additional services were required, I have been working with Damon to challenge that decision and I am extremely pleased our appeal has been accepted and LINK will now carry out a fresh assessment of Llangollen's banking needs.
"I will continue working alongside Damon and other local campaigners, businesses and stakeholders to press the case for a banking hub in Llangollen to ensure local people and visitors to the town have access to the banking services they need."
