Free-to-Use Cash Machine: Boost for Local Residents’ Financial Access

Baxenden, UK to Get Free-to-Use ATM: A Boost for Community and Cash Access

By Archyde News Team | 2025-03-22

Residents of Baxenden, a village near Accrington in East Lancashire, are poised to gain a vital financial resource: a new, free-to-use Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Link, the UK’s national cash access network, has committed to installing the ATM, addressing a significant gap in the village’s amenities.

The move follows concerns raised by the community regarding the lack of convenient cash withdrawal options. Former Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones actively advocated for the ATM, prompting Link to assess and respond to the local need.

Link confirmed its commitment to fund and install the ATM within three months,pending any review requests. this advancement highlights the ongoing importance of physical cash access, even in an increasingly digital financial landscape.

The Location Question: Where Will the ATM go?

While the installation is confirmed, the precise location of the ATM remains undecided. Link is actively soliciting input from Baxenden residents and businesses to ensure it’s placed in the most accessible and beneficial spot. The company is reaching out to local establishments, including the Tesco supermarket, to explore potential sites.

This community-centric approach underscores the importance of local knowledge in infrastructure planning. ensuring the ATM is conveniently located for both residents and businesses is crucial to its success and utilization.

Link is seeking community input on the best location for the new ATM.

in the U.S., similar decisions about ATM placement frequently enough involve considering factors such as foot traffic, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and security. Such as, placing an ATM inside well-lit, frequently visited businesses, such as grocery stores or pharmacies (the U.S. equivalents to Tesco),enhances security and visibility.

Why Cash Still Matters: A Look at the Bigger Picture

The installation of a new ATM in baxenden underscores the continuing relevance of cash in modern economies. While digital payment methods are gaining traction, cash remains essential for various segments of the population and specific types of transactions.

“This is a real win for Baxenden,” said Mr. Jones. “access to cash remains vital for many people in our community,particularly older residents and local businesses. I’m pleased that Link has recognised the need for an ATM and now we want to make sure it’s placed where it will be most useful.”

“Access to cash remains vital for many people in our community, particularly older residents and local businesses.”

Former Hyndburn Labour MP Graham jones

The situation in Baxenden mirrors challenges faced by many rural communities in the U.S. As banks consolidate and branches close, access to cash becomes increasingly limited, particularly for vulnerable populations.This can create hardships for seniors, low-income individuals, and those who rely on cash for budgeting or privacy reasons.

Across the U.S., there’s a growing movement to ensure continued access to cash, with some cities and states considering legislation to protect cash acceptance by businesses. This reflects a broader recognition that a cashless society could exclude significant portions of the population.

Consider the example of Philadelphia, where in 2019, a law was passed prohibiting most retail businesses from refusing cash payments. This legislation aimed to protect low-income residents and those without bank accounts, ensuring they could still participate in the local economy.

The Future of ATMs: More Than Just Cash Dispensers?

As financial technology evolves, ATMs are adapting to remain relevant. Modern ATMs offer a range of services beyond basic cash withdrawals, including:

• Check cashing: Depositing checks directly into accounts.
• Bill payment: Paying utility bills, credit card bills, and other invoices.
• Money transfers: Sending money to other individuals or accounts.
• Cardless transactions: Using mobile apps to authenticate withdrawals.

These expanded capabilities enhance the value of ATMs, making them a more versatile financial tool. In the U.S., for example, some ATMs now allow users to purchase cryptocurrency, reflecting the growing interest in digital assets.

The ATM planned for Baxenden could potentially incorporate some of these advanced features, further benefiting the community.

Potential Counterarguments and Solutions

while the new ATM is a positive development,it’s important to acknowledge potential counterarguments:

• Security concerns: ATMs can be targets for crime. Solutions include strategic placement in well-lit, secure locations, surveillance cameras, and regular maintenance.
• Maintenance costs: ATMs require ongoing maintenance and cash replenishment. Link’s commitment to funding the ATM addresses this concern.
• Digital payment adoption: As more people adopt digital payment methods, ATM usage could decline. However, as discussed earlier, cash remains essential for many.

By proactively addressing these concerns, Link can ensure the ATM remains a valuable asset for the Baxenden community.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for Baxenden

The installation of a free-to-use ATM in Baxenden represents a significant step forward for the community. It will improve access to cash, support local businesses, and enhance the financial well-being of residents. By actively engaging with the community to determine the optimal location, Link is demonstrating a commitment to serving the needs of Baxenden.

Residents are encouraged to share their views with Link directly to ensure the ATM is placed where it will be most beneficial.

How will the community input shape the decision of where to place the new ATM in Baxenden?

Interview: boosting Cash Access in Baxenden wiht a New Free ATM

Archyde News team | 2025-03-22

Interview with Sarah Chen, Community Liaison at Link Cash Access

Archyde News: Sarah, thank you for joining us. We’re excited about the news of a new free-to-use ATM coming to Baxenden. Could you tell us a bit about Link’s commitment to providing cash access in communities like this?

Sarah Chen: Thank you for having me. At Link, we understand that access to cash is still crucial, even in a time of increasing digital payment adoption. Our mission is to ensure that everyone can easily and affordably access their money. baxenden was identified as an area where additional cash access would substantially benefit residents and local businesses.

ATM Location and Community Input

Archyde News: The article mentions that the location is still being determined. How is Link approaching the process of choosing the best spot for the new ATM?

Sarah Chen: We’re taking a community-focused approach. We believe the best location is one chosen with the input of those who will use the ATM most. We’re actively reaching out to local businesses, including potential sites like the Tesco store mentioned. We’re also encouraging residents to share their suggestions with us directly. Considerations include high foot traffic, accessibility, and safety.

The Importance of Cash in a Digital World

archyde News: Access to cash is still vital for many people. How is Link addressing the reality that while digital payments are growing, cash remains a necessity for a significant portion of the population?

Sarah Chen: Absolutely. Cash remains an crucial payment method for a variety of reasons. Some people prefer to budget with cash, others may not have access to bank accounts, and some older residents or vulnerable members of society rely on cash heavily. We’re committed to providing access to cash and making sure that it’s readily available to the community.

Modern ATM Capabilities

Archyde News: Beyond just withdrawals, how is Link evolving its ATMs to offer a wider range of services?

Sarah Chen: ATMs are more advanced than ever. We are working towards incorporating additional features, potentially offering check cashing, bill payment options, and even money transfer services. We’re constantly looking at innovations that benefit the community. Whether that’s offering payment or investment options.

Addressing Potential Concerns

Archyde News: Security and maintenance can be concerns. How does Link address these issues to ensure the ATM is a safe and reliable resource?

Sarah Chen: Security is a top priority. We will implement a range of measures,including placing the ATM in a well-lit,secure location. Additionally, surveillance cameras around the ATM and nearby will be important for deterring crime.We also handle the regular maintenance, cash replenishment, and security updates to ensure the ATM functions reliably and securely.

The Future of Cash Access

Archyde News: Looking ahead, what role do you think ATMs will play in this evolution of financial services? Is there a future for cash in the digital age?

sarah Chen: I believe there is absolutely a place for ATMs. They are evolving. The future of ATMs involves providing convenient services for a wide range of customers. ATMs will remain important, offering many services beyond mere withdrawals. As long as people need cash, there will be a need for ATMs. We are excited to continue providing and looking at the value that this addition will bring to Baxenden.

Call to Action and Community Engagement

Archyde News: Fantastic. Is there anything else you’d like to add, Sarah, before we conclude?

Sarah Chen: We encourage the residents of Baxenden to share their suggestions for ATM location with us. Their input is critical to success. We also hope businesses will consider having the ATM on their property. By working together, we can ensure this new ATM meets the need of the Community. We want to make this initiative of success, and the input from the local community will be necessary.

Archyde News: Thank you, Sarah, for your time and insights. We wish you the best with this new project. Now, to our readers: Where do you think is the best spot for the new ATM in Baxenden? share your thoughts in the comments below!