In August 2023, HSBC closed their bank branch in Epworth Town Centre, this was the last remaining bank in Epworth. The closure resulted in the loss of two ATM / Cash Machines.

While there is a Post Office in the Town Centre and ATMs at the Co-op,  Londis and One Stop, these ATMs are a fair walk from the Town Centre.

Epworth Town Centre still has a number of businesses that are cash only, and with an aging population who tend to rely more on cash than other generations, it is important that cash is readily available to the residents and businesses of Epworth.

Link, the organisation responsible for ensuring communities are not deprived of Cash Machines denied requests to install a new Town Centre based free ATM in 2023, 2024 and again in 2025.

According to the Link website, there are no businesses in the Town Centre that offer cash back.

While Epworth does not meet their suggested minimum population, the population of Epworth is expected to grow by 14% between 2021 and 2031 through natural growth, this does not include the addition of any new housing developments within the Town.

One potential development alone would add around an extra 10% to the population.

Epworth Town Centre needs to have cash available when the Post Office is closed, an ATM would solve this issue.

Having a Cash Machine in the Town Centre would benefit all residents, businesses and stall holders at the annual Music Day and Christmas in Epworth events.

We the undersigned, call upon Link to work with local businesses, the community and the local tier one and two Councils to ensure cash is available in Epworth Town Centre when the Post Office is closed.