THERE are fears free cash machines in Renfrewshire could disappear within two years.
Link, the UK's largest cashpoint network, has sounded the warning and called for urgent action to address the problem.
It comes amid claims locals in some of Renfrewshire's most impoverished areas are being hit the hardest by the need to fork out cash just to lift their own money.
READ MORE: 'A body blow': Renfrew politicians react to bank closure
Ferguslie Park has seen cashpoints dwindle to just one free to use machine only open during the day.
Outside of business hours, residents are forced to pay up to £1 to withdraw their own cash.
It follows the closure of a number of banks across Renfrewshire in recent years, including Santander in Renfrew.
It’s a similar picture in Shortroods, with only one ATM for the area which charges 99p per transaction.
Around one in five free cashpoints have closed since January 2018, while in Scotland communities had lost 204 free-to-use cash machines between 2018 and March 2019.
Ahead of the UK Budget in March, consumer group Which? has ramped up pressure on the Chancellor to protect cash services – warning that current efforts to fix the problem “are doomed to fall desperately short".
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has called for the UK Government to take action to protect access to cash for Buddies.
He said" Access to free cash machines, local bank branches, and Post Office services are vital for consumers and small businesses across Scotland and the UK – however those services are closing at an alarming rate and with no substitute to deal with the impact.
READ MORE: The full list of banks closed in Renfrewshire in last three years
“I’ve asked time and time again for Ferguslie Park, Shortroods and other communities affected by the closure of free cashpoints to be given protection by the UK Government, who regulate the big banks.
“The impact of those closures is being felt by consumers who are being forced to fork out a staggering £100m a year simply to withdraw their own money, while local businesses are facing hardship in accessing services.
“The UK government can no longer sit on its hands and ignore the devastating impact this is having and the hit to peoples’ pockets.
“The Chancellor must use next month’s budget to ensure access to free cash machines, and local banking and Post Office services, remain accessible."
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