LOCAL businesses could suffer as accessing cash free of charge becomes harder in Hay-on-Wye.

One of the last remaining ATMs in Hay-on-Wye is now charging for withdrawals, with politicians demanding the transaction fee is lifted from the machine which has been described as a “lifeline”.

The border town only has one cash machines available 24 hours a day, with the ATM at the Co-op store only available during opening hours.

HSBC, Natwest and Barclays all closed their branches in Hay in the past two years – and took their cash machines with them.

One resident affected said it was difficult to access cash at the best of times as the machines regularly run out of notes.

“As if that wasn’t bad enough, a day or so ago that cash point starting charging 99p per transaction,” Katie Sutton added.

“I think it’s totally outrageous that people would be charged to access their own money but I also think there is a bigger issue here.

“Now that people can’t take out a tenner without being charged 10% to grab a coffee, a loaf of bread or some veg means our local, small businesses will no doubt bear the brunt.

“This is a massive kick in the teeth for a small, rural community and a show of support from our MP is, to my mind, essential.”

Jane Dodds, who was beaten in the December general election by Conservative candidate Fay Jones, said the people of Hay deserve better.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats leader was in Hay-on-Wye last week and will be contacting the NoteMachine Ltd who operate the ATM.

“This cash machine is a real lifeline for the town and is the only way for people to access cash outside working hours without having to travel.

“Charging people to access their own money will only hurt our local businesses, especially those that do not accept card payments, and penalise older individuals who often rely upon cash but cannot necessarily travel out of town to get it. The people of Hay deserve better.

“I will also be campaigning to have this transaction fee scrapped, as Hay residents deserve free access to their own money.”

Assembly Member Kirsty Williams added: “The Postmaster in Hay worked hard to get the cashpoint installed and in the first instance I am working to establish why this new charge has come about.

“I will then be contacting the relevant company and the Town Council to see what can be done.”

NoteMachine Ltd did not respond to a request for comment.