Ironbridge tourism needs a cashpoint

Calls have been made for a cashpoint machine to be installed in Ironbridge in a bid to boost trade - but high street banks have so far snubbed the World Heritage Site.

Ironbridge Regeneration Partnership wrote to six of the biggest banks in September but, to date, only one has been in contact. Chiefs said today they were undeterred, however, and would now pursue smaller banks.

Regeneration bosses are claiming that an ATM is essential at such a global hotspot for visitors.

Councillor Eric Carter, a member of the partnership board, said: "I actually first raised this issue and there has been pressure for an ATM in the town for more than two years now.

"It does not make any sense having a World Heritage Site for world tourism which does not have a 24-hour ATM.

"It must detract from business, particularly from people who might be spending in the evenings and at weekends."

He added: "There is currently a limited facility in the post office but you have to pay for withdrawals and it is not available round the clock.

"The business community has made it very clear this issue is key on its list of priorities for the town."

Councillor Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for regeneration, said the authority wrote to six banks in September and none had replied.

He said: "We chased up those letters this week and one bank told us it was not their policy in the current financial climate to install new ATMs and they believed that was the policy of the other major banks as well.

"Nobody is coming forward to help us at the moment but that is not going to stop us.

"We see this as a must.

"We are going to continue the fight and have made this a key target on our wish list.

"There must be someone out there willing to provide us with a cashpoint?

"We already have a place for it to be sited," he said.

"Now we will pursue the smaller banks to see if they are willing to help.

"We won't give this up until we have a 24-hour ATM in Ironbridge."

By Simon Hardy